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LONDON DAILY ARCHIVE

Boris Johnson Resigns as MP Amidst 'Partygate' Scandal and By-Elections Loom

Boris Johnson resigned as an MP and attacked the Privileges Committee in a letter, accusing them of trying to "drive him out of Parliament" before seeing the evidence.

12 June 2023 · 14:13 UTC

The committee, which is investigating Johnson's role in the "Partygate" scandal, has a Conservative majority and is chaired by Labour's Sir Chris Bryant, who recused himself from the inquiry.

The report is expected to be published this week and could recommend suspending Johnson as an MP for 10 days or more.

Supporters of Johnson, including Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg, have criticized the report as "partisan" and "biased".

However, Bryant defended the committee, saying it was set up by the entire House of Commons and that it is "appalling and preposterous" to criticize it before seeing the report.

Members of the committee have been offered additional security due to the criticism.

Two UK MPs, Ms Dorries and Mr Adams, have resigned as MPs within 24 hours of a list being published, triggering by-elections in their constituencies, which are considered safe seats for the Conservatives.

Additionally, the resignation of Mr Johnson also triggers a by-election in his constituency of Uxbridge and South Ruislip, which is a marginal seat.