Johnson's 'Partygate' testimony will be broadcast live

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
15 Jan 2023 15:02

The former prime minister's plans for a comeback are jeopardized as MPs conduct a televised interrogation over allegations that he misled parliament.

Former UK PM Boris Johnson (AP)

The House of Commons passed a motion in April 2022 calling for the then-prime minister, Boris Johnson, to be investigated by the Commons Privileges Committee over allegations that he misled parliament in connection with the "partygate" allegations - violations of COVID-19 lockdown rules in Downing Street.

Leading broadcasters plan to broadcast former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's testimony to parliament's Privileges Committee in February regarding the "partygate" allegations live and in its entirety, according to British media.

Johnson's evidence session before MPs, which will be televised, could be the first of a series of public hearings, the outlet added. The questioning will now take place later than planned. The delay was allegedly explained by the large number of documents that the committee was forced to review.

Boris Johnson's supporters have described the Privileges Committee hearing as a "live kangaroo court."

The seven-member Commons Privileges Committee, chaired by Harriet Harman of the Labour Party, is investigating whether Boris Johnson misled parliament and committed contempt when responding to the "partygate" allegations. Johnson, in particular, claimed that "no Covid rules were broken" and that "guidance was followed and the rules were followed at all times."

This is a separate investigation from those conducted by the Metropolitan Police and senior civil servant Sue Gray. On May 19, 2022, Scotland Yard's Operation Hillman concluded its investigation, fining over 100 people, including Johnson and his wife.

The final Gray Report was released on May 25, 2022. The Commons Privileges Committee's investigation into Boris Johnson was announced when the House of Commons passed a motion tabled by Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer in April 2022, calling for Johnson to be investigated for breaching parliamentary privilege.