Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has stepped down as a Tory MP after claiming that he was “forced out of Parliament” over Partygate
The former PM saw in advance a report by the Commons
Privileges
Committee investigating if he misled the Commons over Downing Street lockdown parties, the BBC reported
Johnson said that he was “bewildered and appalled” after receiving a letter from the from a House of Commons committee, CNN reported
His resignation now triggers a by-election in his marginal seat
The Privileges Committee said that Johnson had called into question the integrity of the House of Commons, the British news broadcaster reported
The MP-led committee – which has a majority of Conservative MPs – said it would conclude its inquiry on Monday and “publish its report promptly”
In his resignation statement issued on Friday, Johnson described the committee as a “kangaroo court”
He previously admitted misleading Parliament when he gave evidence to the committee in a combative hearing in March – but denied doing it on purpose