British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been ordered to turn over a slew of documents to a committee in Parliament.
The Commons Privileges Committee, which is investigating whether Johnson lied to Parliament when he rejected claims that COVID-19 rules were flouted during the so-called “partygate” scandal, is demanding a cache of key documents pertaining to its inquiry from Johnson and Cabinet Secretary Simon Case by Aug. 15.
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“You will appreciate that we have recently received those letters and requests which we’ll now take a proper look at,” a spokesperson for the outgoing prime minister said, per the Independent. “As we’ve said before, we will assist the committee in their inquiries, but once we’ve had the time to look at the letters and requests, we’ll set out our response to the committee.”
The committee is seeking emails, WhatsApp messages, briefing packs, legal advice, photographs from Johnson’s photographer, entry logs for 10 Downing Street, and Johnson’s diary entries for eight days during the time period in question, according to Reuters.
The so-called “partygate” scandal surfaced last year when emails indicated that British Conservative Party members had breached COVID-19 protocols during gatherings held in 2020 and 2021. This included events around Christmas time in 2020 and a gathering for Johnson’s 56th birthday. Johnson was fined for the birthday gathering, and at least 50 others were fined for flouting COVID-19 during about a dozen different parties.
Johnson denied lying to Parliament but conceded that he was incorrect when he said that COVID-19 rules had been followed by his office at all times. An internal report also concluded that his office had multiple parties during the time period in question.
The committee is planning to commence oral evidence sessions for its inquiry in the fall. The committee is also seeking information on any relevant documents that may have been deleted.
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“Partygate” was among the scandals that led to Johnson’s resignation last week after a torrent of advisers stepped down, voicing concerns about his leadership.
Johnson is expected to remain in his post as prime minister until a new leader is selected. He has also filled a number of vacancies in his Cabinet to help finish out his time in office.
