BORIS Johnson is set to face MPs when he appears in front of the Privileges Committee on Wednesday as he aims to defend himself against claims he misled Parliament over partygate.
It comes after he released his own defence dossier in which he claimed that No 10 was an “old, cramped London townhouse”.
Here’s what you need to know ahead of the make-or-break moment for the former prime minister.
When are the proceedings and how can I watch?
Like all parliamentary committees, the proceedings will be streamed live on Parliament TV.
Given the high-profile nature of the Privileges Committee meeting, it is also likely that some TV channels will screen the event.
It is due to begin at 2pm.
What is the worst-case scenario for Johnson?
Should the committee uphold accusations that Johnson misled MPs, there are a range of sanctions which could be recommended.
Not only would it likely dash any hopes of a political comeback, but the committee could recommend an oral or written apology, a suspension or even expulsion from the House of Commons.
Potential by-election
Should the findings result in a suspension of more than 10 days, it would trigger a recall petition.
If this was signed by more than 10% of Johnson’s constituents then it would result in a by-election in his seat of Uxbridge and South Ruislip.
Rishi Sunak has already said that MPs will get a free vote on whether to implement any sanction which is recommended by the committee.
Johnson holds a majority in his seat by more than 7200 votes. Last week, it was confirmed he had been re-selected as the Conservative candidate for the constituency he was first elected to in 2015.
What has the committee said so far?
In a report published on March 3, the committee said the evidence strongly suggested breaches of coronavirus rules in No 10 would have been “obvious” to Johnson.
It also published four previously unseen photos of Downing Street gatherings which concluded a “culture of drinking” had persisted even as restrictions were put in place.
The committee said it had identified at least four occasions where Johnson might have misled MPs, including when he told them in December 2021 that no rules or guidance were broken.
Who is the chair of the committee?
Labour MP Harriet Harman, the longest-standing female MP and former Cabinet minister, is chair of the committee.
She is due to stand down at the next General Election.
Allan Dorans serves as the sole SNP member. First elected in 2019, he represents Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock.
