Boris Johnson has set out his defence to allegations he broke parliamentary rules by deliberately making statements to the House that were misleading. Here we look at what he say about each of those statements to MPs.
Boris Johnson has admitted he inadvertently misled parliament in a series of statements he made in relation to partygate.
He said his director of communications, Jack Doyle, came to see him that evening about an email the paper's political editor had sent - his diary recorded this meeting between 6pm and 6.05pm - making allegations about four parties. Back to 18 December, and Mr Johnson said he felt it was"implausible" the COVID rules had been broken.And in his evidence to the privileges committee, he sought to add context to the experience of Downing Street staff.
Mr Johnson responded:"Based on the conversations that I had had the previous day and that morning... What I can tell the right honourable and learned gentleman is that all guidance was followed completely in Number 10."Sir Keir Starmer accuses the PM of holding a lockdown party during PMQs. In his written evidence to the committee, Mr Reynolds wrote that he and others"involved in organising and attending the gatherings" believed they were following regulations and that decisions"were taken in good faith and were reasonable on a common-sense reading of the relevant regulations".
In conclusion, Mr Johnson said:"In hindsight, I accept that my statement to Parliament on 1 December 2021, although reasonably and honestly believed at the time, did mislead the House. But as he"remained concerned", he decided he needed to commission an investigation to"find out precisely what happened at the event in question", and spoke to cabinet secretary Simon Case that night, asking him to carry it out.Former adviser to the PM Allegra Stratton resigns after the video of her joking about parties is leaked.
He also confirmed the independent inquiry, which was due to be led by Mr Case - before he was later found to have attended a gathering and recused himself.Head of the Civil Service Simon Case had been due to lead the investigation into partygate, until it was revealed he attended a gathering.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Boris Johnson comeback would badly damage Tory party's election chances, polling expert saysTory peer Lord Hayward said the party had marginally improved its poll ratings under Sunak and that bringing back Johnson as leader would seem like an 'utter joke' to voters
Read more »
Sunak delays key policies on crime, energy and pensions as Boris Johnson back in limelightThe Prime Minister has promised a number of major policy announcements before Parliament begins its Easter recess
Read more »
Boris Johnson defiant as allies claim he could be victim of Partygate 'witchhunt'The former PM is set to lay out a detailed defence of his conduct during 'Partygate' on Monday before a televised showdown with the Commons committee
Read more »
Boris Johnson to accuse MPs probing Partygate scandal of 'moving goalposts' ahead of crunch TV grillingBoris Johnson will reportedly accuse the committee investigating Partygate of 'moving the goalposts' in a bid to find him guilty, as he attempts to clear his name over allegations he misled the House of Commons over the scandal.
Read more »
Boris Johnson's partygate case may be published today ahead of showdown that could decide futureBoris Johnson repeatedly told the House of Commons that lockdown-breaking gatherings had not taken place during the COVID pandemic. Pictures subsequently emerged which showed him at various events that appeared to feature food, alcohol, and a Christmas quiz.
Read more »