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Rishi Sunak Under Fire for Missing Parliamentary Debate on Boris Johnson's Conduct

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Rishi Sunak came under criticism for missing a crucial parliamentary debate on the report into Boris Johnson's conduct, which found the former prime minister had committed five contempts of parliament. Theresa May, a leading Conservative MP, emphasized the importance of Conservative MPs backing the report, while Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer urged Sunak to show leadership by attending the debate and taking part in any vote. Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police confirmed they were reviewing video footage of a Christmas party held by Tory activists during the pandemic, which was attended by senior Conservatives.

Key Takeaways:

  • The House of Commons privileges committee found Boris Johnson had committed five contempts of parliament, including deliberately misleading MPs about the partygate scandal.
  • The report recommended suspending Johnson from parliament for 90 days if he had not already quit as an MP and withholding a Commons pass from him.
  • Theresa May stressed the importance of Conservative MPs backing the report, saying it was "doubly important" for trust in parliament not to be undermined by MPs trying to save the careers of those found wanting.
  • Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer urged Rishi Sunak to show leadership by attending the debate and taking part in any vote on the report.
  • Only a smattering of backbench Tory MPs were present at the debate, with others admitting they had stayed away to avoid endorsing the report.
  • The Metropolitan Police confirmed they were reviewing video footage of a Christmas party held by Tory activists during the pandemic, which was attended by senior Conservatives.
  • Penny Mordaunt, the Commons leader, said she would vote in support of the report, citing the importance of defending parliamentary rights and privileges.
  • Thangam Debbonaire, Labour's shadow leader of the Commons, said Sunak was "too weak to stand up to Boris Johnson and his sycophants" and that Labour wanted a prime minister who told the truth.

Statistics:

  • 5: The number of contempts of parliament committed by Boris Johnson, according to the House of Commons privileges committee.
  • 90: The number of days Johnson would have been suspended from parliament if he had not already quit as an MP and his Commons pass had been withheld, according to the report.
  • 2020: The year in which a Christmas party was held by Tory activists, which was attended by senior Conservatives and is currently under investigation by the Metropolitan Police.

Sources:

  • ITV
  • BBC
  • The House of Commons privileges committee report
  • The Metropolitan Police

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