Boris Johnson Calls for Tory MP on Privileges Committee to Resign

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Image copyright: President of Ukraine [via Wikimedia Commons]

The Facts

  • Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday demanded the resignation of Sir Bernard Jenkin — the most senior Conservative MP on the parliamentary privileges committee — accusing him of "flagrant and monstrous hypocrisy" over allegations Johnson may have broken lockdown rules.

  • Jenkin reportedly attended a drinks party held by Commons Deputy Speaker Dame Eleanor Laing in December 2020, days after London had entered Tier 2 measures restricting indoor mixing and imposing the rule of six outside.

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The Spin

Narrative A

A committee member who voted to expel a colleague for allegedly trying to hide his knowledge of illicit events from parliament himself concealed from the privileges committee and the House that he attended an event in breach of the rules. The so-called business meeting that Sir Bernard took part in during lockdown is on a par with Number 10's "work" parties.

Spectator (UK)

Narrative B

Boris Johnson has relied on a predictable diversion strategy to undermine the work of the privileges committee, as the report will inevitably damage his reputation and beyond repair. The drinks reception attended by Sir Bernard was within the rules, but even if it had broken them, it wouldn't have absolved Johnson's guilt.

Independent

Metaculus Prediction