Boris Johnson: ‘Partygate’ report concludes ex-prime minister ‘deliberately misled’ parliament multiple times

The report into whether Boris Johnson lied to parliament over ‘Partygate’ has been published. The investigation by the privileges committee has been ongoing for months.

The privileges committee has concluded that Boris Johnson deliberately misled the House of Commons on multiple occasions over ‘Partygate’. In its report published today (June 15), the committee found that he misled MPs:

• On December 1, 2021 when he told MPs that "all guidance was completely followed in No 10";
• On December 8, 2021 when he said "the rules and guidance were followed at all times";
• On January 12, 2022 when he said all events were "within the rules and guidance";
• And on May 25, 2022 when he told MPs "that the rules and guidance had been followed at all times when he was present at gatherings to wish staff farewell"

The committee also found that Mr Johnson misled the House when he failed to inform MPs of his knowledge of when rules had been broken. It found that he had "personal knowledge about gatherings which he should have disclosed".

As a result, the privileges committee has concluded that he "committed a serious contempt" of parliament. The committee has "unanimously" recommended that Boris Johnson receive a 90-day suspension from the House of Commons and that he not be given a pass to access parliament.

The former PM resigned as an MP last week ahead of the report being published.