- Vote to Revoke Boris Johnson’s Parliamentary Access
- Committee Report and Sanctions
- Conservative Divisions and Symbolic Judgment
Since Boris Johnson resigned as an MP, the House of Commons could vote to withdraw his parliamentarian status.
Today, MPs will decide whether to reprimand Boris Johnson after the privileges committee found him guilty of deceiving the Commons.
The committee’s devastating findings recommended a 90-day ban, which could lead to a by-election.
However, Mr. Johnson’s decision to resign with immediate effect means that MPs will now vote on whether they concur with the report and whether he should be denied access to the Palace of Westminster, rather than on his future in parliament.
This month, the former prime minister abruptly resigned, claiming that a letter from the committee made it obvious that “they intend to use the proceedings against me to force me out of parliament.”
Mr. Johnson has been telling his supporters not to press for a vote. His loud supporters said “there may not be a vote” and that they would abstain.
Any decision could instead be “nodded through” without the formal recording of MPs’ ballots.
Labour, which can force a vote, says all alternatives are on the table and will support the committee’s findings.
Whether or whether the issue is voted on, watch for heated language and Conservative division during the debate.
Tobias Elwood, a Conservative member of parliament, has pledged to change his plans to vote against the former prime minister, while Nadine Dorries, Boris Johnson’s most ardent supporter, has warned those who vote against Johnson are not “true Conservatives.”
In recent days, it appears that some of Mr. Johnson’s allies have softened. But last night, MP Brendan Clarke-Smith acknowledged that “Boris is eager to move on.”
Downing Street has declined to comment on whether Rishi Sunak will show up to support the claim. He may skip the meeting since he will entertain a foreign leader at Number 10 on Monday.
According to The Times and The Telegraph, the prime minister is not anticipated to vote on the committee’s findings.
MPs will vote on a simple statement, “That this House approves the Fifth Report from the Committee of Privileges.” But their votes will be scrutinized intently.
A formal vote could further divide the Conservatives.
The administration thinks today’s judgement will end Boris Johnson’s saga.
The debate ensues after the Sunday Mirror obtained a video that appears to show Conservative staff members dancing and mocking COVID-19 restrictions during the height of the pandemic.
The footage of the event, which occurred when indoor socializing was prohibited and people across the country were separated from family and friends, is a setback to Mr. Sunak’s efforts to move on from the legacy of his predecessor-in-office.
The Metropolitan Police, which previously investigated the gathering and found “insufficient evidence to disprove the version of events provided by attendees,” has stated that it is examining the video.
A spokesperson for the force stated, “We are aware of the footage and are considering it.”
