Harriet Harman is set to lead an inquiry that holds Boris Johnson’s fate in its hands.
Presided over by Labour’s grandee, the parliamentary committee will determine whether or not the PM intentionally misled the Commons about lockdown-busting gatherings.
Last night, Conservatives expressed concern about Johnson’s ability to hang on to the Partygate scandal for so long.
Miss Harman is being considered for the role of acting Labour leader. Chris Bryant, a Labour colleague, is stepping down as chairman of the committee due to criticisms he made regarding Mr Johnson.
Harriet Harman from Labour, shown here will lead an investigation into whether Boris Johnson lied about Partygate to Parliament
It could suggest that he apologise or be suspended from the Commons if he’s found in contempt of Parliament. A vote by all MPs must approve any sanction.
It could suggest that he apologise to the Commons or suspend him from the Commons. A vote by all MPs must approve any sanction.
The privileges committee is made up of seven MPs – two Labour, one SNP and four Conservatives. The chairman of this committee must be an official member of the opposition, as per Commons rules.
Bryant indicated that he thought the Johnson probe could be completed in four months. According to Bryant, the committee could call the PM in person or write, question cleaners and security personnel who were abused in No 10’s workplace, as well demand email evidence.
But Mark Jenkinson, the Tory MP for Workington, said: ‘The last thing the country needs is navel-gazing.
‘People want to know that politicians are on their side and are dealing with their big issues.’ Tory Blackpool South MP Scott Benton said four months would be ‘incredibly excessive’.
Four Tories have called on Mr Johnson to resign following the publication of Sue Gray’s Partygate report.
After Julian Sturdy had called for the resignation of the PM on Wednesday, Stephen Hammond and John Baron were among those who spoke out.