Former prime minister quits as MP over claims he misled parliament

Boris Johnson claimed he was the “victim of a witch-hunt” as he announced he was resigning as an MP, accusing a Commons investigation into whether he misled Parliament over partygate of attempting to drive him out.

The former prime minister compared the Privileges Committee probe to a “kangaroo court” as he quit.

Calling for the committee’s investigation to be ended, he said he believed it was “determined to use the proceedings against me to drive me out of parliament”.

But some saw his wording as a hint he would make a comeback and mount a leadership challenge to Rishi Sunak, at whom he also took a swipe.

“It is very sad to be leaving Parliament – at least for now – but above all I am bewildered and appalled that I can be forced out, anti-democratically, by a committee chaired and managed, by Harriet Harman, with such egregious bias,” he said.

The Privileges Committee has been investigating whether Mr Johnson misled MPs when he assured them that Covid rules were followed in No 10 following allegations of lockdown-busting parties.

Key Points

• Johnson stands down with swipe at ‘kangaroo court’ probe

• Ex-PM ‘bewildered and appalled’ by investigation

• I’m victim of a witch-hunt, he claims

• Ex-PM launches all-out assault on Sunak amid fresh leadership bid speculation

• The resignation statement in full

Johnson quits over probe into whether he misled parliament

20:37 , Jane Dalton

Boris Johnson is resigning as an MP after accusing a Commons investigation into whether he misled Parliament over partygate of attempting to “drive me out”.

The former prime minister, in a statement to the media, compared the Privileges Committee probe to a “kangaroo court” as he announced his intention to step down as MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip.

He said, after receiving a letter from the committee, he believed it was “determined to use the proceedings against me to drive me out of Parliament”.

“It is very sad to be leaving Parliament – at least for now – but above all I am bewildered and appalled that I can be forced out, anti-democratically, by a committee chaired and managed, by Harriet Harman, with such egregious bias,” he said.

The announcement, coming only hours after his resignation honours list had been published, means the Conservatives are likely to face a tough battle to hold onto the London seat at a by-election.

It was the second by-election triggered on Friday following former culture secretary Nadine Dorries’ decision to quit the Commons immediately, rather than wait until the next election.

We are resuming our earlier political coverage, which had been suspended.

Boris Johnson quits as MP over investigation into whether he misled parliament

Labour has 19-point lead in Uxbridge

21:37 , Jane Dalton

Polling released by Savanta suggests Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour currently holds a 19-point lead over the Tories in Mr Johnson’s former west London constituency.

It puts Labour on 52 per cent against the Tories’ 33 per cent.

‘Pathetic farce generated by egotist and charlatan’

21:34 , Jane Dalton

Remain-supporting MP Anna Soubry condemned the “psycho-drama in the Conservative Party” when there are bigger issues a government should be looking at.

“Instead we have this pathetic farce generated, as ever, by the great egotist and charlatan, Boris Johnson,” she said.

Dismissing the idea the committee was a stitch-up, she said Mr Johnson clearly wasn’t confident he would get the necessary support in the Commons.

His constituents facing the cost-of-living crisis had been badly served, she told Sky News.

He jumped before he was pushed, say SNP

21:25 , Jane Dalton

The SNP’s deputy Westminster leader said Mr Johnson had “jumped before he was pushed”.

Mhairi Black, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South, said: “Boris Johnson has jumped before he was pushed, and no one in Scotland will be sorry to see the back of him but he has also underlined the weakness of Rishi Sunak, who has no authority over the bitterly divided Tory party.

“Sunak has been utterly humiliated. On the day he was forced to accept Johnson’s dodgy honours list to shore up his position, his predecessor has stuck two fingers up at him and reminded everyone that Sunak was unable to take action for fear of a leadership challenge.

“This sordid Tory scandal is yet another reminder of how broken and corrupt the Westminster system is – and why it is essential that Scotland becomes an independent country, so we can escape Westminster control and get rid of unelected Tory governments for good.”

Ex-PM launches all-out assault on Sunak amid fresh leadership bid speculation

21:22 , Jane Dalton

Boris Johnson used his resignation statement to launch an all-out assault on Rishi Sunak, saying he was leaving parliament – but added that this was “for now”. Jon Stone reports:

Boris Johnson blasts Rishi Sunak amid speculation of possible leadership challenge

Extraordinary career of former prime minister

21:19 , Jane Dalton

He was the London mayor who basked in the glory of the 2012 Olympics, before leading the Conservatives to a landmark election victory on the back of his promise to “get Brexit done”. Joe Sommerlad looks back at Mr Johnson’s colourful career:

From Fleet Street to Partygate: Boris Johnson’s extraordinary rise and fall

Johnson treated disgracefully, says ally

21:16 , Jane Dalton

Sir Michael Fabricant, who received a knighthood in Boris Johnson’s long-awaited resignation honours list, said the former prime minister had been the subject of “disgraceful treatment”.

He tweeted: “Disgraceful treatment of a political leader who has made world history.”

I’m victim of witch-hunt, claims ex-PM

21:08 , Jane Dalton

Boris Johnson has claimed he is the victim of a partygate and Brexit witch-hunt:

Boris Johnson quits as MP and claims he is victim of ‘partygate and Brexit witchunt’

Resignation statement in full

21:07 , Jane Dalton

Mr Johnson’s resignation statement begins: “I have received a letter from the Privileges Committee making it clear – much to my amazement – that they are determined to use the proceedings against me to drive me out of parliament.” Read the statement in full:

Boris Johnson’s resignation statement in full

Tories face uphill battle to hold on to Uxbridge seat

21:05 , Jane Dalton

The Conservatives are likely to face a tough battle to hold on to Mr Johnson’s Uxbridge and South Ruislip seat at a by-election.

Mr Johnson held his seat with a majority of 7,200 votes at the 2019 contest, with Labour his closest rival.

It was the second by-election triggered today following former culture secretary Nadine Dorries’ decision to quit the Commons immediately, rather than wait until the next election.

The Privileges Committee has been investigating whether Mr Johnson misled MPs when he assured them that Covid rules were followed in No 10 following allegations of lockdown-busting parties.

Rayner attacks ‘Tory soap opera’

20:57 , Jane Dalton

Angela Rayner, Labour deputy leader, said: “The British public are sick to the back teeth of this never-ending Tory soap opera played out at their expense.

“After 13 years of Conservative chaos, enough is enough.

“It’s time to turn the page with a fresh start for Britain with a Labour government focused on the people’s priorities of tackling the cost-of-living crisis and building a better future.”

Johnson launches tirade at Sunak government

20:52 , Jane Dalton

Mr Johnson used his resignation statement to deliver a stinging attack on Rishi Sunak’s government.

“When I left office last year the government was only a handful of points behind in the polls. That gap has now massively widened,” he said.

“Just a few years after winning the biggest majority in almost half a century, that majority is now clearly at risk. Our party needs urgently to recapture its sense of momentum and its belief in what this country can do.

“We need to show how we are making the most of Brexit and we need in the next months to be setting out a pro-growth and pro-investment agenda. We need to cut business and personal taxes – and not just as pre-election gimmicks – rather than endlessly putting them up. We must not be afraid to be a properly Conservative government.

“Why have we so passively abandoned the prospect of a Free Trade Deal with the US? Why have we junked measures to help people into housing or to scrap EU directives or to promote animal welfare?

“We need to deliver on the 2019 manifesto, which was endorsed by 14 million people. We should remember that more than 17 million voted for Brexit. “

Johnson ‘bewildered and appalled’ by investigation

20:49 , Jane Dalton

Boris Johnson said he was quitting his seat and triggering an immediate by-election because he was “bewildered and appalled” at the Privileges Committee’s investigation into him.

He said he had received a letter from the committee which is investigating whether he lied to MPs over partygate “making it clear, much to my amazement, that they are determined to use the proceedings against me to drive me out of Parliament”.

He said: “I have today written to my association in Uxbridge and South Ruislip to say that I am stepping down forthwith and triggering an immediate by-election,” he said.

“I am very sorry to leave my wonderful constituency. It has been a huge honour to serve them, both as mayor and MP.”

He added: “It is very sad to be leaving parliament, at least for now, but above all I am bewildered and appalled that I can be forced out, anti-democratically, by a committee chaired and managed, by Harriet Harman, with such egregious bias.”

Thursday 8 June 2023 17:24 , Sam Rkaina

We’re pausing our live coverage of Boris Johnson for the evening but keep checking independent.co.uk for the latest updates.

ICYMI: Could the NHS weight-loss jab also shrink your tax bill?

Thursday 8 June 2023 16:00 , Matt Mathers

Cutting sickness could give the chancellor headroom for pre-election giveaways, says Andrew Grice.

Read Andrew’s full analysis here:

Could the NHS weight-loss jab also shrink your tax bill?

Washington update: Sunak says UK ‘well placed’ to lead AI regulation

Thursday 8 June 2023 15:40 , Matt Mathers

As we reported earlier, Rishi Sunak is in Washington for talks with president Joe Biden on the war in Ukraine, the global economy, AI and other topics.

The prime minister has been speaking to broadcasters there, insisting that the UK is “well placed” to lead on the regulation of AI.

He also pushed back against suggestions that he his failure to secure a trade deal with the US was a “broken promise”. The 2019 Conservative Party manifesto said the UK would get a deal with Washington within three years.

“I think that UK is well-placed to take a leadership role in shaping the conversation about how we regulate AI so that we can enjoy its benefits, which clearly there are many, but do so in a way that protects our countries and citizens, and make sure it is used safely and securely,” he said.

“The UK is research-based, (has the) companies – everything points to us.

“Our ability to move quickly, to put regulation in place, is really important in an industry and technology that itself is changing very rapidly.

“I’ll be discussing that with president Biden today. I’m delighted the US is supporting our summit. I’ve also spoken to the companies involved about this when I convened them in Downing Street a few weeks ago.

“I think they’re also keen to support the UK in helping to develop what needs to be a global architecture for regulation ultimately.”

On the trade deal, Mr Sunak said: “Since then we’ve had a pandemic, we’ve had a war in Ukraine, and that has changed the macroeconomic situation. The right response to that is ensure that we’re focusing our engagement economically on the things that will make the most difference.”

He added: “Actually, what I’ll be talking to president Biden about today is how can the UK and the US work together to ensure security for our citizens? I think that’s the thing that we should be focusing on right now.”

UK bans import of gold from Belarus in fresh wave of sanctions

Thursday 8 June 2023 15:20 , Matt Mathers

The UK is banning imports of gold from Belarus in a new wave of sanctions aimed at increasing economic pressure on the Kremlin-backed regime.

Internet providers will also be forced to restrict access in Britain to websites spreading propaganda from the country, the government said.

Bans will be placed on the import of gold, cement, wood and rubber – all sources of revenue for authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko’s regime – to the UK.

Tory donor Crispin Odey accused of sexual assault

Thursday 8 June 2023 15:00 , Matt Mathers

The multimillionaire hedge fund manager Crispin Odey has been accused of sexual misconduct by multiple woman who have worked with him.

The Tory donor, a leading figure in London’s financial world, faces shocking allegations that he groped female members of staff and masturbated on a female entrepreneur.

A law firm representing Mr Odey said he “strenuously denies” the allegations.

Adam Forrest reports:

Tory donor Crispin Odey accused of sexual assault

Sadiq Khan rejects government bid to berth asylum barge in east London

Thursday 8 June 2023 14:45 , Matt Mathers

Permission to berth a barge accommodating asylum seekers at an east London dock has been rejected, according to a letter from Sadiq Khan to the home secretary.

The Labour mayor of London told Suella Braverman: “I am writing to you following the recent decision by the Royal Docks Management Authority (RoDMA) to reject the use of King George V Dock as a berth to accommodate people seeking asylum.

“I wish first to put on record my support for this decision and secondly to outline my absolute opposition to the government’s policy of housing asylum seekers on vessels.

“The capital has a proud history of providing sanctuary for those seeking refuge, including during World War II and our most recent efforts to support those fleeing conflict in Afghanistan and Ukraine. Our city’s welcoming attitude and our diverse communities are what make London so great.

“I am deeply concerned by the government’s plans to place asylum seekers and refugees in vessels.

“It is unclear how ministers will seek to ensure those housed in such vessels, some of whom are fleeing the most appalling of circumstances, will have access to the necessary support, both on arrival and in rebuilding their lives.”

Four Just Stop Oil protesters arrested in central London

Thursday 8 June 2023 14:20 , Matt Mathers

Four Just Stop Oil protesters have been arrested after refusing to leave the road while demonstrating in central London.

Slow-walking protesters were instructed to leave the road in Trafalgar Square shortly after 12.30pm on Thursday. Most complied but three men and a woman remained in the road.

Police removed them from the road and arrested them.

The protest was attended by Dale Vince, the clean energy entreprenuer who has donated more than £1m to the Labour Party.

He said: “I’m here to support the incredibly brave people of Just Stop Oil. They put themselves and their liberty on the line.

“I support them in other ways, in the media and with donations, but I thought I would do more.”

Starmer: Labour would ‘seize opportunity’ to revive British steel industry

Thursday 8 June 2023 14:11 , Matt Mathers

Labour would seize the opportunities for British steel, Sir Keir Starmer said, as he vowed to protect the embattled industry.

The Labour leader visited the British Steel site in Scunthorpe on Thursday, as he accused the Conservatives of leaving the industry and its workers in a “cycle of crisis and bailout”.

Dominic McGrath reports:

Starmer: Labour would ‘seize opportunity’ to revive British steel industry

Sunak distracted by Boris honours list, says Starmer

Thursday 8 June 2023 14:05 , Matt Mathers

Sir Keir Starmer has said that Rishi Sunak is only focused on “managing” the Conservative Party after reports the PM has accepted Boris Johnson’’ recommendations for peerages, Adam Forrest reports.

The Labour leader said: “The Conservative Party is, as ever, talking about the Conservative Party and how they appease different bits of their own party. Whether it’s Boris Johnson’s WhatsApp messages, Boris Johnson’s peerages, all the prime minister is doing is managing his own party instead of running the country.”

He said that anyone concerned about the cost of living is “going to see a government that is putting a party first, not country first”.

Sunak will snub Trump while on trip to the US

Thursday 8 June 2023 13:55 , Matt Mathers

Rishi Sunak will snub Donald Trump while on his visit to the US, saying he is too busy to meet with the former president.

The prime minister is holding talks with president Joe Biden later but has no plans to see Mr Trump.

“I’ve got a pretty busy schedule,” he told reporters yesterday when asked if he would hold talks with Mr Trump, who has announced another tilt at the White House next year.

“I’m meeting key Congressional leaders from both sides and obviously the president,” he went on. “Those are the key engagements that I have.”

Artificial intelligence is the future of war, former national security adviser says

Thursday 8 June 2023 13:40 , Matt Mathers

The UK should invest in artificial intelligence-driven weapons systems to stop it falling behind other countries, a former national security advisor has said.

Speaking at a parliamentary committee Mark Sedwill said AI was “the future of defence capability” and that the UK needed to invest in order to “punch its weight”.

Lord Sedwill’s comments come after Rishi Sunak‘s technology advisor said that AI could become powerful enough to “kill many humans” in only two years’ time.

Jon Stone reports:

AI is the future of war, former national security advisor Mark Sedwill says

Hunt set for £3bn windfall from lower-than-expected energy help spending

Thursday 8 June 2023 13:25 , Matt Mathers

Jeremy Hunt is set for a £3bn windfall after the government spent less on energy bill help because Britons reduced their usage through winter.

The Treasury had expected to spend £42.6 billion on energy support schemes announced last Autumn to help consumers and firms with spiralling prices as a consequence of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

But Office for Budget Responsibility figures due to be published on Thursday would show £3bn less was spent, according to The Times.

Enough magical thinking – we need to be honest about the economy

Thursday 8 June 2023 13:10 , Matt Mathers

Britain’s politicians need to have a frank conversation about taxes, Europe, immigration and public services, writes James Moore.

Read James’s full analysis here:

Enough magical thinking – we need to be honest about the economy | James Moore

ICYMI – Angela Rayner vs Oliver Dowden: a clash of the uninspiring understudies

Thursday 8 June 2023 12:40 , Matt Mathers

The only explanation for such a dispiriting session of Prime Minister’s Questions is that neither deputy wanted to do well, writes John Rentoul.

Read John’s full PMQs analysis here:

Angela Rayner vs Oliver Dowden: a clash of uninspiring understudies | John Rentoul

Thursday 8 June 2023 12:20 , Matt Mathers

Labour frontbencher Jess Phillips has avoided sanction by Parliament’s Standards Committee after failing to register a financial interest by the deadline for the second time in a year.

The shadow safeguarding minister declared a payment of £1,000 for giving a lecture at Bristol University in October 2022 two days after the 28-day deadline set by the Commons.

The parliamentary Standards Commissioner said Ms Phillips had breached the MPs’ Code of Conduct in a “relatively minor way” but warned that repeatedly treating the register “in a casual and inattentive fashion is a serious matter”.

Nina Lloyd and Christopher McKeon report:

Jess Phillips avoids sanction despite again failing to declare payment on time

Tories raise £12m in three months

Thursday 8 June 2023 11:56 , Matt Mathers

The Conservative Party raised more than £12 million in donations in the first three months of the year, according to figures from the Electoral Commission.

Donations to the Tories published on Thursday far outstripped those to other parties, with Labour raising only £4.4 million and the Liberal Democrats £1.3 million.

In total, the Conservatives received £12.3 million in the first quarter of 2023, with public funding taking Labour and the Liberal Democrats’ totals to £5.9 million and £1.7 million respectively.

Christopher McKeon reports:

Tories raise £12m in three months thanks to boost from billionaire treasurer

Everything you need to know about Boris Johnson and the UK Covid-19 Inquiry

Thursday 8 June 2023 11:29 , Matt Mathers

Headlines out of Westminster this week have been dominated by the back and forth between the government, Boris Johnson, and the UK Covid inquiry.

Here, Jon Stone reports on what you need to know about the story:

Everything you need to know about Boris Johnson and the UK Covid-19 Inquiry

Lib Dems: Put Johnson’s honours list ‘through the shredder’

Thursday 8 June 2023 11:00 , Matt Mathers

Boris Johnson’s resignation honours list should be “put through the shredder”, the Lib Dems have said.

Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper accused the prime minister of rewarding “failure” by allegedly giving the list the green light.

“The fact that one of the most scandal-ridden prime ministers is now allowed to stuff his cronies in the Lords after a failed premiership tells the British public everything they need to know about this Conservative Party,” she said.

“Boris Johnson caused crisis after crisis in this country – if Rishi Sunak rewards his failure it’s just proof it is one rule for the Conservatives and another for everyone else.

“The buck stops with Sunak – he must ensure that Johnson’s honours list is put through the shredder.”

China to be excluded from UK’s AI summit

Thursday 8 June 2023 10:45 , Matt Mathers

China will be excluded from a conference on AI regulation hosted by the UK later this year, it has been reported.

Rishi Sunak, after his meeting with Joe Biden, will announce that Britain will host a global summit in the autumn.

Invitations will be sent out at the “appropriate time” to “like-minded countries”, but China will not be asked to attend, the Financial Times reports.

Sunak trying to draw a line under honours list saga, Tory MP says

Thursday 8 June 2023 10:30 , Matt Mathers

Rishi Sunak has accepted Boris Johnson’s honours list because he doesn’t want to waste any more time fighting with his predecessor, a Tory MP has said.

Bob Seely said the PM wanted to draw a line under the year-long row over the controversial 50-strong list, saying “anything to do with Boris is frankly a distraction”.

More comments from the Isle of Wight MP below:

The row over Mr Johnson’s list intensified earlier this year following reports he had nominated his father Stanley for a knighthood.

Such gongs are typically awarded to people who have made outstanding contributions to charity, business, science, sport, the arts and other areas of public life.

Prime ministers can nominate people for awards and can make appointments to the House of Lords, parliament’s second chamber.

What is the ex-prime minister’s honours list and why is it controversial?

Call to act on ‘dangerous’ conditions around Westminster for disabled people

Thursday 8 June 2023 10:15 , Matt Mathers

Disabled peers have spoken about being “harangued” on their way to Parliament as a report said not enough was being done to safeguard access to Westminster for the less abled.

A report by the Policy Exchange said protests had often blocked the passageway of disabled people as it called on the Metropolitan Police to do more to protect pedestrian walkways for those in wheelchairs and with other disabilities.

Lord Blencathra, in a testimony shared with the report writers, said he had missed hospital appointments due to his access being blocked.

Patrick Daly reports:

Call to act on ‘dangerous’ conditions around Westminster for disabled people

Poll predicting Labour landslide is ‘rubbish’ – Kellner

Thursday 8 June 2023 10:00 , Matt Mathers

A polling expert has dismissed as “rubbish” a new survey suggesting Labour is on course for landslide victory at the general election.

A survey carried out by FocalData and commissioned by Best for Britain, using the MRP method in new constituency boundaries, estimated Keir Starmer’s party could secure a majority of more than 140 seats.

Mr Kellner, who co-founded YouGov, said there were “fundamental flaws” in the data. More comments below:

Caroline Lucas to quit as Green Party MP to focus on climate campaigning

Thursday 8 June 2023 09:45 , Matt Mathers

The Green Party’s only MP Caroline Lucas wil stand down at the next election to focus on fighting “nature and climate emergencies”, she has announced.

Ms Lucas, who had two spells as leader of her party, said her role in Parliament meant she had “struggled to spend the time I want” on the crises facing the environment.

Patrick Daly reports:

Caroline Lucas to quit as MP to focus on climate campaigning

Biden and Sunak to focus on Ukraine and economic security in PM’s first White House visit

Thursday 8 June 2023 09:33 , Matt Mathers

President Joe Biden is welcoming prime minister Rishi Sunak for wide-ranging talks on Thursday as the British leader makes his first White House since taking office.

The leaders’ Oval Office talks are expected to cover the war in Ukraine, China, economic security, international cooperation on regulating the growing field of artificial intelligence, and more.

Biden and Sunak have already had four face-to-face meetings since Sunak became prime minister in October, but the talks in Washington will offer the two leaders a chance for their most sustained interaction to date.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the 15-month-old Russian invasion of Ukraine will be “top of mind.” The US and UK are the two biggest donors to the Ukraine war effort and play a central role in a long-term effort announced last month to train, and eventually equip, Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets.

Aamer Madhani reports:

Biden and Sunak to focus on Ukraine and economic security in British PM’s first White House visit

Sunak to wave through Johnson’s controversial honours list

Thursday 8 June 2023 09:30 , Matt Mathers

Rishi Sunak is apparently ready to nod through Boris Johnson’s controversial honours list in a move set to spark at least two by-elections for the Tories.

The former prime minister’s list has already raised eyebrows after he reportedly nominated a series of close political allies, friends and associates – including several Tory MPs and his own father.

But Mr Sunak is poised to approve the list of some 50 names in the coming weeks in a bid to “clear the decks” of another row involving predecessor, according to The Times.

Full report below:

Rishi Sunak ‘to approve Boris Johnson’s honours list’ despite by-election warnings

Boris and Carrie Johnson ‘hosted friend at Chequers to plan festival-themed wedding during Covid restrictions’

Thursday 8 June 2023 09:19 , Matt Mathers

Boris and Carrie Johnson hosted a close friend at Chequers while some coronavirus restrictions were still in place, it has been reported.

The former prime minister and his then-pregnant wife are said to have invited corporate events organiser Dixie Maloney to the Buckinghamshire country mansion on 7 May 2021.

At the time, indoor gatherings between different households were banned except when “reasonably necessary” for reasons such as work or childcare or to provide care or assistance to a vulnerable person, including someone pregnant.

Oliver Pritchard-Jones and Kate Devlin have the full report:

Boris Johnson ‘hosted friend at Chequers to plan wedding during Covid restrictions’

Thursday 8 June 2023 09:17 , Matt Mathers

Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s live politics coverage.

Today we’ll be covering Rishi Sunak’s visit to Washington DC, Boris Johnson’s alleged Covid breach and other stories from Westminster and elsewhere.

Stay tuned for the latest updates.