Boris Johnson admits to misleading parliament over lockdown parties at Downing Street

Boris Johnson was forced to resign in the wake of several scandals, and is continuing to face questions over his conduct as British PM. (AP: Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Former UK prime minister Boris Johnson has released his defence to a parliamentary Privileges Committee investigation into whether he misled parliament when he denied parties had been held at No 10 Downing Street during Britain's COVID-19 lockdown.

Mr Johnson admitted he misled parliament when he gave an account to the House of Commons following media reports that several staff gatherings had been held during strict periods of lockdown, a scandal dubbed 'partygate'.