MPs to conclude Partygate inquiry as former PM accused of leading ‘mutiny’

The Privileges Committee has pledged to continue the investigation process after Mr Johnson stepped down as an MP on Friday and launched a scathing attack on the probe, branding it a ‘witch hunt’.

The panel is set to meet in Westminster on Monday with a view to deciding when to publish its report.

Meanwhile, Tobias Ellwood, who chairs the defence select committee has accused Boris Johnson of ‘orchestrating a mutiny’ and said he should not be allowed to stand as an MP again until he shows ‘commitment’ to the party.

Mr Johnson dramatically resigned as MP on Friday over the outcome of the Partygate inquiry, with two of his allies – Nadine Dorries and Nigel Adams – also quitting with immediate effect.

There has been speculation the seven-person committee, which is chaired by veteran Labour MP Harriet Harman but has a Conservative majority, could release its findings as soon as Wednesday.

Commons aides on Sunday would only repeat the committee’s commitment, made in the wake of Mr Johnson’s resignation, to publish its conclusion ‘promptly’.

The probe is thought to have ruled that Mr Johnson lied to Parliament when he told MPs that Covid rules were followed in Downing Street despite boozy parties taking place while social distancing restrictions were in place.

Reports suggest the panel was set to recommend at least a 10-day suspension, reaching the threshold for a by-election to be potentially triggered in his Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency.

Mr Johnson has accused the committee of ‘bias’ and likened it to a ‘kangaroo court’.

The Privileges Committee, in response, said Mr Johnson had ‘impugned the integrity of the House’ with his attack.