New evidence has been released as part of an investigation into whether former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson misled parliament about his behavior during the so-called Partygate scandal, CNN reports.

The new information suggests that people advising Johnson knew that gatherings taking place in Downing Street during the Covid restrictions were in breach of UK government guidance and pointed to the drinking culture in Downing Street at the time.

Last year, the Metropolitan Police fined Johnson for attending one of the meetings, making him the first sitting British prime minister to be found guilty of breaking the law.

The new details came in a report by the House of Commons Privileges Committee, which released evidence on which Johnson will be questioned when he appears before the committee later this year.

“I’m trying to find a way that fits the rules”

The report says there is evidence that Johnson misled parliament about what he knew about events in Downing Street. “The evidence strongly suggests that the restrictions violations may have been apparent to Mr. Johnson at the time he was in the meetings,” the report added.

In one section of the report, Johnson’s former communications director is quoted as saying in a WhatsApp message about the June 19, 2020, gathering: “I’m trying to find a way to make it legal.” when asked to describe the event as “reasonably necessary for professional purposes,” in which case it would comply, the communications director says, “I’m not sure that works. This also creates another big hole in the Prime Minister’s account, doesn’t it?

Johnson has repeatedly told parliament that, as far as he knows, “the recommendations were followed and the rules were followed at all times”.

The Privileges Committee will ultimately decide whether Johnson misled the House of Commons about his actions and, in turn, whether he will be found guilty of contempt of parliament. The decision will then be put to a vote in the House of Commons.

If Johnson was found guilty and still in government, it would be a breach of the Ministerial Code that would lead to his resignation, but given his current status it is unclear what punishment Johnson will receive, although the Prime Minister will face huge pressure Minister Rishi Sunak to somehow discipline him.

Johnson and his allies dispute the report, saying it is based on the testimony of senior civil servant Sue Gray, who has been linked in recent days to opposition Labor leader Keir Starmer, who allegedly offered her a top job in his party. personnel. (Source: News.ro)