Boris Johnson will be summoned to give evidence under oath on whether he lied over Partygate.
MPs confirmed on Thursday (July 21) that they will invite the Prime Minister for questioning just weeks after he resigns in disgrace on September 6. And for the first time, Commons authorities confirmed the Prime Minister could face a by-election if he is found to have misled MPs.
The Privileges Committee, which is investigating whether the PM committed contempt of Parliament, released new details today, reports the Mirror. For the first time the panel of seven MPs including four Tories confirmed: “The Committee will take oral evidence from Mr Johnson.
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"At evidence sessions, Mr Johnson and any other witness may be accompanied by a legal or other adviser, and may take advice from them during the session, but must answer in person.”
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle confirmed that the committee’s findings would fall within the remit of the Recall of MPs Act, following advice from a leading lawyer. The Privileges Committee also insisted its inquiry will go ahead despite Mr Johnson’s resignation as Tory leader.
The committee said “some have suggested” the inquiry is no longer necessary. “Our inquiry, however, is into the question of whether the House was misled, and political developments are of no relevance to that. The House charged the committee with this task and we are obliged to continue with it.”
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