Commons Greenlights Johnson Probe Without a Vote
The Commons didn’t bother with a vote as the motion to launch an investigation swept through unopposed. It was a brutal day for Boris Johnson, with several Tory MPs openly demanding his resignation during a fiery Commons debate.
Investigation on Hold Until Sue Gray Report Lands
Don’t expect the investigation to kick off immediately. The motion clearly states it will start only after the highly anticipated Sue Gray report is published. That won’t happen until after the Metropolitan Police wrap up their inquiry and hand out fixed penalty notices.
PM Under Fire But Refuses to Back Down
Johnson has been under relentless pressure to quit over the ‘partygate’ scandal. He apologised to MPs this week, showing rare contrition. Yet, he remains defiant. Speaking to 1, the PM insisted he’s “determined” to lead the Tories into the next general election—despite the likelihood of more fines heading his way.
Defenders Rally as Cabinet Minister Backs PM
Cabinet Office Minister Michael Ellis swung to Johnson’s defence during the debate, insisting the PM didn’t deliberately mislead Parliament. He said Johnson acted “in good faith” regarding partygate comments and has always been “happy to face whatever inquiries Parliament sees fit.”
“He has responded to the event for which he has received a fixed-penalty notice,” Ellis said. “He didn’t think the event broke COVID rules at the time, but he has apologised, paid his fine, and accepted the Metropolitan Police’s findings.”
“There is a difference between a deliberate and an inadvertent situation, and I think most people accept that.”
Partygate Saga Drags On – But PM Calls for Focus
The motion accuses Johnson’s Commons comments—at least four separate statements—of misleading the House. Johnson conceded the saga has dragged on “for quite a long time” and warned against letting partygate overshadow everything else in politics.
“I want all the facts to be out there,” Johnson said, “but partygate shouldn’t crowd out everything else.” Meanwhile, Scotland Yard investigates 12 events, with Johnson believed to have attended six.
