Boris Jonson abruptly quits as MP, decries 'witch-hunt'
3 Min Read
The former UK Prime Minister accuses investigators of leading a deliberate attempt to push him out of UK politics through the Partygate investigations.
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Then-British Prime Minister Boris Johnson walks along 10 Downing Street in London, UK, January 31, 2022. (Reuters)
Ex-British Prime Minister Boris Johnson shocked UK politics late on Friday night by abruptly resigning as a member of parliament in protest of lawmakers who were investigating his actions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Johnson had been the subject of a parliamentary inquiry that focused on allegations of misleading the House of Commons after disregarding his own government's own regulations and taking part in "lockdown-breaking parties" at Downing Street during the COVID-19 pandemic.
After receiving a confidential letter from the committee, Johnson accused the lawmakers involved in the investigation of acting like a "kangaroo court" determined to end his political career.
In a strongly worded statement, Johnson criticized the committee, stating, "I am being forced out by a tiny handful of people, with no evidence to back up their assertions."
The privileges committee, which is the main disciplinary body for the UK Parliament, has the authority to recommend Johnson's suspension from the legislative body. If the suspension exceeded 10 days, voters in his constituency could demand that Jonhson takes part in re-election against challengers who could take his spot as MP.
Lo and behold! Here are the most notable Boris blunders in his eventful 3 years in office.#BorisJohnson #Partygate pic.twitter.com/In9DdnbY9w
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) April 19, 2022
While Johnson hinted at a potential return to politics by stating that he was leaving parliament "for now", his resignation could potentially mark the end of his 22-year political career.
From his early days in parliament to being the mayor of London and later the prime minister, Johnson played a significant role in shaping UK public opinion, culminating in his leading role as he pushed for the deeply controversial Brexit referendum in 2016.
Controversies, including public outrage over alleged COVID rule-breaking lockdown parties at Downing Street, plagued Johnson's premiership. He defended himself by asserting that the committee had failed to find any evidence against him. "I am not alone in thinking that a witch hunt is underway to take revenge for Brexit and ultimately to reverse the 2016 referendum result," he stated, suggesting a deliberate effort to push him out of UK politics.
The privileges committee will hold a meeting on Monday to conclude its inquiry and publish its report in due course. Responding to Johnson's resignation statement, a spokesperson for the committee criticized his decision as it undermined the "integrity" of the Parliament.
Johnson's resignation will trigger a by-election in his west London constituency, marking the second such event of the day following the departure of Johnson's ally, Nadine Dorries.
Angela Rayner, the deputy leader of the Labour Party, took a dig at the turmoil within the Conservative Party, stating, "The British public are sick to the back teeth of this never-ending Tory soap opera played out at their expense."
In his resignation statement, Johnson also took the opportunity to launch a critique of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, holding him responsible for his government's downfall.
The two politicians, who previously worked closely together during the pandemic, have been at odds since Sunak's resignation as Finance Minister last summer in protest against Johnson's leadership.
