Weak Rishi Sunak will dodge this afternoon’s Commons debate on the bombshell report that Boris Johnson repeatedly lied to Parliament over Partygate.
The Prime Minister’s spokesman said he is due to attend a charity dinner this evening - and going to the chamber to hear or take part in the debate over the Commons Privileges Committee’s report into the ex-Premier was not in his diary.
The spokesman refused to say what Mr Sunak thought of the 108-page report - and it is possible he may not reveal his opinion even after tonight’s debate and potential vote.
Earlier, the PM dodged questions on whether he would throw his weight behind the Privileges Committee's bombshell dossier, which found Mr Johnson had repeatedly misled Parliament over his knowledge of lockdown boozing in Downing Street.
It comes amid fresh anger over the Partygate scandal after the Mirror obtained footage of Tory aides boozing and dancing at a bash in Conservative HQ in December 2020.
Mr Johnson would have faced a 90-day suspension from the Commons if he hadn't quit as an MP days before the report was published.
MPs will debate the report today, which could go to a vote if enough Johnson allies decide to oppose it. But it will be a free vote, meaning many Tories could abstain or stay away from Parliament.
Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said yesterday that he would abstain in the vote, and speculation is mounting that Mr Sunak will find himself too busy to attend.
The Prime Minister failed to answer questions on the issue on an early morning visit to Watford General Hospital.
Mr Sunak told Good Morning Britain: "This Committee was established under the former Prime Minister.
"It commanded the confidence of the House at the time, I'm sure they've done their work thoroughly and I respect them for that.
"Obviously this is a matter for the House, not for the Government and and that's why each individual colleague will make up their mind when the time comes."
Pressed on whether he'd be there, Mr Sunak said: "Each individual colleague will make up their mind when the time comes."
He said he didn't want to "influence" anyone in advance of the vote.
Asked if he would set an example by punishing Mr Johnson for lying to Parliament, he said: "This is a matter for the House, it's not a Government matter."
A Downing Street source said the PM was meeting a foreign leader today - and his attendance would depend on the timings of the vote.
Keir Starmer said Mr Sunak should be taking a strong stance against his old boss.
He told Sky News: "The Privileges Committee should be supported - I will be supporting the Committee, and the Prime Minister should be.
“It’s very important that we know where the Prime Minister stands”.
Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting simply tweeted: "WEAK."
Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Daisy Cooper said Tory MPs must not let Boris Johnson "off the hook".
“Refusing to back this motion would be an insult to bereaved families who grieved alone while Johnson lied and partied," she said.
“The buck stops at the very top of Government - if Rishi Sunak really wanted to govern with integrity he shouldn’t be running scared of this vote.”
Mr Johnson is said to have urged allies not to oppose the motion as he has already left Parliament, meaning the sanctions have no effect.
But critics argue he could be trying to avoid embarrassment if only a few Tories back his cause.
Top ally Sir Simon Clarke said Mr Johnson's friends would not push it to a vote - but said the sentence was "draconian".
Brexiteer backbencher Bill Cash is one of the few Tories who has vowed to vote against the findings, citing the former prime minister's "historic achievements".
Others are expected to make themselves scarce, with some hitting the campaign trail ahead of a by-election in Mr Johnson's old seat of Uxbridge and South Ruislip.
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