Boris Johnson has announced he has quit as a Conservative MP.
The former Prime Minister confirmed he was resigning with immediate effect after being “bewildered and appalled” at the Privileges Committee’s findings on ‘partygate’.
The Privileges Committee has been investigating whether Mr Johnson misled MPs by claiming gatherings at Number 10 during lockdown followed Covid rules and guidance.
“I have today written to my association in Uxbridge and South Ruislip to say that I am stepping down forthwith and triggering an immediate by-election,” Boris Johnson wrote in a 1000-word statement yesterday night (June 9).
“I am very sorry to leave my wonderful constituency. It has been a huge honour to serve them, both as mayor and MP.”
In the statement, he accused the committee of producing a yet-to-be-published report “riddled with inaccuracies and reeking of prejudice”.
“I have received a letter from the Privileges Committee making it clear – much to my amazement – that they are determined to use the proceedings against me to drive me out of Parliament,” the statement reads.
“They have still not produced a shred of evidence that I knowingly or recklessly misled the Commons.
“They know perfectly well that when I spoke in the Commons I was saying what I believed sincerely to be true and what I had been briefed to say, like any other minister.
“They know that I corrected the record as soon as possible; and they know that I and every other senior official and minister – including the current prime minister and the then occupant of the same building, Rishi Sunak – believed we were working lawfully together.
“I have been an MP since 2001. I take my responsibilities seriously.”
In response to his resignation, a spokesperson for the committee said they had “followed the procedures and the mandate of the House at all times and will continue to do so”.
They added: “Mr Johnson has departed from the processes of the House and has impugned the integrity of the House by his statement. The Committee will meet on Monday to conclude the inquiry and to publish its report promptly. “
Mr Johnson’s resignation will trigger an immediate by-election in Johnson’s Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency.
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