MPs are set to vote later on whether to endorse a report that accuses Boris Johnson. The former UK Prime Minister, of intentionally deceiving Parliament regarding lockdown parties held at 10 Downing Street. After a year-long investigation, the Commons privileges committee found that Johnson repeatedly committed offences by denying the existence of the Partygate scandal. The committee recommends a 90-day suspension from the Commons if Johnson remained an MP. Rishi Sunak‘s stance on voting has yet to be confirmed.
Conservative MPs will have a free vote, allowing them to decide without instruction from party managers or whips. The vote is expected to take place on Monday evening following a debate. While the report is likely to pass easily, it remains uncertain if it will be a recorded vote. Johnson has urged his allies not to vote against it. Some Conservative MPs may choose to abstain or not participate, and Housing Secretary Michael Gove has confirmed his intention to abstain. Making him the only member of the Sunak government to disclose his position.
Opposition Pressure on Rishi Sunak
The vote presents a political challenge for Johnson, who is already engaged in a contentious dispute with his former boss regarding his resignation honours list. Opposition MPs will pressure Sunak, who emphasized “integrity” when entering Downing Street, to approve the findings from the cross-party committee. However, endorsing the report would likely anger Johnson’s supporters. Some of whom have criticized the committee’s conclusions. Johnson himself has strongly criticized the committee, denouncing it as a “kangaroo court” in an impassioned statement announcing his resignation as an MP prior to the report’s release.
In the Commons, votes initially occur by voice, with a division (recorded vote) only called if the Speaker deems the result unclear. Opposition MPs are expected to shout “aye” to approve the report. But if no MP vocally opposes it, a division will not be called, and individual MPs’ votes will not be recorded.
Allegations of Deliberate Misleading by Johnson
According to the privileges committee’s report, Johnson deliberately misled MPs. He assured them that lockdown rules had always been followed at No 10 after the Partygate scandal emerged. During the inquiry, Johnson argued that his assurances were made in good faith and based on advice from officials. However, the committee found that he possessed “personal knowledge” of rule-breaking events. And neglected to actively investigate allegations of Covid rule violations during the pandemic.
