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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
David Hughes

Johnson allies could face punishment for campaign against partygate committee

PA Archive

Moment MPs vote in favour of Partygate report finding Johnson misled parliament

Boris Johnson’s allies have been accused of undermining democracy with a “coordinated campaign of interference” which put “unprecedented” pressure on the committee investigating whether the ex-PM lied to parliament over Partygate.

The priviliges committee has published its new special report highlighting “disturbing” comments by Tory MPs who criticised the cross-party MPs during their 14-month inquiry.

With Johnson allies having described the probe as a “witch hunt” and “kangaroo court”, those named include Nadine Dorries, Jacob Rees-Mogg, Andrea Jenkyns and Priti Patel. MPs now appear set to vote on whether to sanction them.

In its damning report earlier this month, the committee found that Mr Johnson lied to parliament over Partygate and recommended a 90-day suspension.

Related: Watch as UK government’s asylum policy ruled unlawful

But he evaded that punishment by quitting as an MP after being told in advance of its findings. Shortly after, he accepted a new role as a columnist at the Daily Mail.

The new report will come as another blow for Rishi Sunak who has been desperately trying to draw a line under the Johnson era.

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