Former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has taken the surprising decision to step down as a lawmaker after being informed that he will face sanctions for misleading Parliament.
Johnson’s resignation follows the conclusion of an investigation conducted by lawmakers regarding his misleading statements to Parliament concerning the “partygate” scandal.
In a statement, Johnson accused his opponents of attempting to force him out of Parliament. He expressed his astonishment at having received a letter from the Privileges Committee, which made it clear that they were determined to utilize the proceedings against him for the purpose of driving him out.
Labeling the committee as a “kangaroo court,” Johnson’s decision to resign will prompt a special election to fill the vacant position as a lawmaker representing a suburban London constituency.
The investigation by the House of Commons standards committee centered around Johnson’s misleading statements regarding a series of gatherings held in government buildings in 2020 and 2021, which violated pandemic lockdown regulations. Police subsequently issued 126 fines in connection with these events, including one to Johnson himself. The scandal surrounding these gatherings played a role in hastening the end of his tenure as Prime Minister.
The committee is expected to release its report within the coming weeks, shedding further light on the matter.
