BORIS JOHNSON FACES THE POSSIBILITY OF A BY-ELECTION IF FOUND TO HAVE MIS-LED PARLIAMENT

Boris Johnson faces the real possibility of a by-election in his constituency of Uxbridge and South Ruislip if an inquiry into claims he mis-led Parliament during what is now termed as 'Party Gate' rule against him.

Mr Johnson who is soon to step down as Prime Minister is to be subjected to a Parliamentary inquiry, which should he be found guilty, could see him face suspension for more than 10 days and a recall petition.

It would take 10% of eligible voters in his constituency to sign a petition to trigger such a bi-election.

In April, Mr Johnson was fined by police after it was revealed he had attended a birthday party held in his honour at 10 Downing Street during the first lockdown, his wife Carrie was also given a fine along with others who had attended.

The PM told MP's that although his original statement was untrue, he had believed it to be true at the time.

However, senior figures within the Conservative Party have said that due to the PM's resignation the inquiry is a waste of public money and should not go ahead as he is due to step down on the 5th September. However the committee intends to press on and call the PM to give oral evidence under oath.

In the procedures report, the committee said:

Quote

"We agree with the reasoning about the nature of a contempt in that paper, namely that the focus of the House's jurisdiction is on whether or not an action or omission obstructs or impedes or has a tendency to obstruct or impede the functioning of the House, with the consequence that, looking at contempt in broad terms, intention is not necessary for a contempt to be committed."

Mr Johnson's case will be considered "on the balance of probabilities", which is a lower standard than the criminal test of "beyond reasonable doubt".

Mr Johnson has pledged to cooperate with the committee and has been asked to hand over documents to MP's.