Boris Johnson says 'no I will not resign' after Starmer says he 'must go' if he 'misled Parliament'

Boris Johnson says 'no I will not resign' after Starmer says he 'must go' if he 'misled Parliament'
26 PMQs Boris No
Samantha Haynes

By Samantha Haynes


Published: 26/01/2022

- 12:10

Updated: 26/01/2022

- 12:24

The Prime Minister has faced MPs at Prime Minister's Questions after demands to publish parties probe in full.

Sir Keir Starmer, Leader of the Opposition, challenged the Prime Minister at Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) with calls to resign "if he misled Parliament".

Boris Johnson has refuted the Labour leader's demands, telling Parliament "no, I will not" resign amid outrage over the 'party-gate' scandal.


Boris Johnson agreed that the ministerial code does apply to him, but refused to comment on the Downing Street party investigation.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer asked: “The ministerial code says that ministers who knowingly mislead Parliament will be expected to offer their resignation. Does the Prime Minister believe that applies to him?”

Mr Johnson replied: “Of course, but let me tell the House that I think he is inviting a question about an investigation which is – as you know, Mr Speaker, I cannot comment – and which he, as a lawyer, will know that I can’t comment on.”

The steady stream of allegations over alleged breaches of lockdown rules have undermined the Prime Minister, and many of his critics are waiting for Ms Gray’s report before deciding whether or not to submit formal letters saying they have no confidence in his leadership.

If Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the backbench 1922 Committee, receives 54 letters – 15% of Tory MPs – a vote on Mr Johnson’s leadership would be held.

This comes as No 10 was yet to receive Ms Gray’s report on Wednesday morning.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said: “It’s an independent report, it’s a matter for Sue Gray when she sends that report, when she’s completed her work.”

The chairman of the Commons Committee on Standards warned that Boris Johnson could attempt “jiggery-pokery” by publishing Sue Gray’s report just before Prime Minister’s Questions to avoid being quizzed on its findings.

Chris Bryant said the Prime Minister is likely to be intending to “manipulate Parliament” once the report by the senior civil servant into possible lockdown breaches across Government is handed over to Number 10.

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