Caught up by the "partygate", Boris Johnson resigns from his mandate as MP

2023-06-10T01:10:41.840Z

Highlights: Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson resigns as an MP. He was forced to step down after a series of scandals. His resignation will trigger a by-election to replace him in the Commons. He said he was forced out in an "undemocratic way" by a committee of MPs. The committee is due to finish its work on the matter by the end of the week. For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or click here for details.

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday evening with a bang handed over his mandate as an MP, invoking the parliamentary inquiry into the "partygate", the parties held in Downing Street in...

Caught up by the "partygate", Boris Johnson resigns from his mandate as MP

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday night with a bang handed over his mandate as an MP, invoking the parliamentary inquiry into "partygate", the parties held in Downing Street in violation of Covid-19 restrictions.

A year after being driven out of Downing Street by his majority after three years in power marked by a succession of scandals, Boris Johnson remains under a parliamentary inquiry (illustration image) AP

Text by: RFI Follow

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Boris Johnson, 58, indicated that his decision was effective immediately, triggering a by-election that puts an immediate end to any prospect of a return but also highlights the divisions within the Conservative power, aggravating the difficulties of his successor Rishi Sunak a year before the next legislative elections.

A year after being driven out of Downing Street by his majority after three years in power marked by a succession of scandals, Boris Johnson remains under a parliamentary inquiry to determine whether he had misled Parliament in the "partygate" affair.

A parliamentary committee of inquiry must say whether Boris Johnson lied to Parliament by repeatedly claiming that all health restrictions had been respected in Downing Street. The procedure, conducted by the Committee on Privileges, is in the process of finishing its work and had just submitted its conclusions to the former leader according to the British press.

I have received a letter from the Privilege Committee which makes it clear – to my astonishment – that they are determined to use the procedure against me to drive me out of Parliament," the former Conservative prime minister wrote in a statement. "I am very sad to leave Parliament - at least for now - but I am especially appalled that I was forced to leave, in an undemocratic way," he added, accusing the committee of "blatant bias".

In this very long statement, he accuses the commission of having produced a report that has not yet been published, "riddled with inaccuracies and prejudices", without giving it "any formal opportunity to challenge what they say".

Reacting to his resignation, the Privileges Committee said Boris Johnson had "undermined the integrity of Parliament" by his statements. It also announced that it would meet on Monday to conclude its work and that it would publish its report "quickly".

Already forced to resign last summer after a succession of scandals, he does not hide his desire to return to power, even if he has to take a step aside. His resignation, with immediate effect, will trigger a by-election that will put current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in an awkward position, reports our correspondent in London, Sidonie Gaucher. Angela Rayner of the Labour Party said it was time for this "chaotic Conservative soap opera" to end.

Caught up by the "partygate", Boris Johnson resigns from his mandate as MP

Caught up by the "partygate", Boris Johnson resigns from his mandate as MP

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