Boris Johnson has vehemently denied allegations that he deliberately misled parliament in the ‘partygate’ scandal. “I’m here to tell you – hand on heart – that I have not lied to the House of Commons,” Johnson told the parliamentary committee in London.
The issue concerns parties that took place at the official residence at 10 Downing Street during the pandemic. Several corona measures were violated.
Johnson again admitted that he had made false statements in the House of Commons. However, he said he had always acted in good faith and was “unaware of the true magnitude” of the parties. “I misled parliament, but not on purpose,” said a document released in his defense yesterday.
At the beginning of the interrogation, which will last several hours, Johnson swore on a Bible that he would only tell the truth. The committee must find out whether Johnson deliberately lied to the House of Commons. If so, the 58-year-old faces a long-term suspension. This could lead to the loss of his seat in the House of Commons. Doing so would jeopardize his political future and hopes of returning to Downing Street one day.
“No proof”
The commission found no evidence that his staff warned him about breaking the rules during the corona pandemic, Johnson said. “On the contrary, several documents showed that the events were completely legal,” it said.
This morning, the commission released a 110-page document. In it she uses photos and testimonies to trace Johnson’s official statements and what happened in Downing Street at the time.
The members of parliament will vote at the end on the sanctions that can be imposed on him. One of the options is a suspension. If it lasts longer than ten days, it could lead to a by-election in his constituency (where his majority is small; ed.).
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