A report recently issued by the UK parliamentary privileges committee sheds light on Johnson’s actions during the partygate scandal. The committee’s report suggests Johnson intentionally misled parliament, instigating a campaign of intimidation aimed at the MPs investigating his alleged wrongdoings.
It further implicates Johnson in leaking premature information about the committee’s findings, violating parliamentary norms, and attempting to destabilise democratic processes.
From Privileges to Reprimand: Johnson’s Penalties Examined
Initially, Johnson was looking at a 20-day suspension from parliament, a punishment that would have led to a recall petition and potentially a by-election. However, due to Johnson’s alleged intimidation attempts towards the committee, his suspension recommendation was extended to 90 days.
The committee’s report goes a step further, recommending that Johnson be stripped of the privilege of holding the ex-MP pass that grants unparalleled access to the Westminster estate.
Despite the calls from two committee members, one each from Labour and SNP, to expel Johnson from parliament, the entire seven-member committee unanimously agreed on the final punitive measures.
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A Protracted Political Assassination: Johnson’s Angry Retort
Unfazed by the committee’s findings, Johnson dismissed the report, equating the investigation to a ‘protracted political assassination’. He stepped down as a Tory MP last week in response to the impending release of the committee’s report, igniting a heated byelection scheduled for the next month.
Johnson, a political figure known for his share of controversies and comebacks, led the Conservatives to a sweeping victory in 2019, only to be ousted by his party less than three years later. His departure came in the wake of a probe by the House of Commons standards committee concerning his misleading statements about numerous lockdown-breaching gatherings in government buildings.
Despite admitting to the error in his communication to Parliament, Johnson insists it was not a deliberate act. He continues to dispute the committee’s report, leaving a tarnished legacy in the annals of UK politics.
As the dust settles on Johnson’s partygate scandal, its long-lasting impact on his political career and UK politics is becoming increasingly clear.
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