Why Boris Johnson’s Call for Sir Bernard Jenkin’s Resignation Highlights Divisions over Lockdown Enforcement

Boris Johnson accuses partygate committee MP of ‘monstrous hypocrisy’

Overview

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has accused Sir Bernard Jenkin, the most senior Conservative MP on the privileges committee, of “monstrous hypocrisy” over alleged Covid rule-breaking. This accusation comes just hours before the release of the report into the partygate scandal, which is expected to conclude that Johnson misled MPs and therefore is in contempt of the Commons. Johnson has called for Jenkin’s resignation and has questioned the validity of the privileges committee’s investigation. The report is also expected to reveal the number of days the committee would have recommended for Johnson’s suspension from the Commons, although this punishment cannot be applied since Johnson has resigned as an MP.

Accusations and Counter-Claims

The accusations against Sir Bernard Jenkin stem from an alleged event to mark his wife’s 65th birthday in December 2020, during a time when indoor socializing was banned in London. Johnson and his allies have jumped on this claim to cast doubt on the committee’s investigation into the Prime Minister’s own alleged rule-breaking. They argue that if Jenkin did attend a rule-breaking event, he would be guilty of the same offense that he accuses Johnson of. Jenkin has denied attending a drinks party, and a colleague has stated that no rules were broken.

Johnson’s Call for Resignation

In a letter to Harriet Harman, who chairs the committee, Johnson asserted that Sir Bernard should have recused himself from the investigation due to the alleged rule-breaking. Johnson stated that if Jenkin did indeed break the rules knowingly, he would be guilty of “flagrant and monstrous hypocrisy.” He also highlighted the fact that Jenkin voted to expel Johnson from the House of Commons, claiming that Johnson had concealed his knowledge of illicit events. Johnson argued that if Jenkin broke the rules, he would be guilty of the same offense he accused Johnson of, calling for Jenkin’s resignation.

Implications for the Privileges Committee and its Report

Johnson’s accusations against Sir Bernard Jenkin aim to undermine the credibility of the privileges committee’s investigation into the partygate scandal. By questioning Jenkin’s objectivity, Johnson seeks to cast doubt on the committee’s findings, which are expected to conclude that he misled MPs and is in contempt of the Commons. Johnson’s supporters argue that these interventions raise concerns about the committee’s work and its ability to fairly judge the Prime Minister.

Possible Sanctions and the Role of Parliament

The privileges committee’s report is expected to recommend a suspension for Boris Johnson, although this punishment cannot be applied since he has resigned as an MP. However, the severity of the proposed suspension will indicate the seriousness of the breach in question. The report may also include recommendations for additional sanctions, such as the removal of Johnson’s parliamentary pass, which would be an unprecedented move against a former prime minister. Any additional sanctions would require a separate vote by MPs.

Future Debates and Political Fallout

A debate on whether to accept the privileges committee’s findings is scheduled for Monday, and Tory MPs will be able to cast ballots against Boris Johnson since the vote will not be whipped by Downing Street. If the report is passed, it would formally hold Johnson in contempt for misleading MPs. Any binding sanctions against Johnson, such as removing his parliamentary pass, would also require approval from MPs. The political fallout from these events is likely to be significant, as Johnson’s resignation as an MP and the potential loss of seats in upcoming by-elections may further reshape the political landscape in Britain.

Conclusion

The accusations of rule-breaking against Sir Bernard Jenkin have added a new twist to the ongoing partygate scandal and the investigation into Boris Johnson’s alleged misleading of MPs. Johnson’s call for Jenkin’s resignation and his attempts to question the validity of the privileges committee’s report demonstrate the deep divisions within the Conservative Party and the wider implications for British politics. The release of the report and the subsequent debates and votes in Parliament will determine the consequences for Johnson and the potential fallout for the Conservative Party as a whole.