LONDON: British MPs will cast their judgment on damning report that found ex-Prime Minister Boris Johnson lied to Parliament about lockdown-breaking parties.

House of Commons debate about report is being held on Johnson's 59th birthday likely leading to removal of his pass to access Parliament as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak struggles to move crisis-hit country on from his predecessor's many scandals.

Johnson and his dwindling supporters have portrayed report by Commons privileges committee as "Witch hunt", and he resigned as Member of Parliament just before its publication.

But Sunak, who has promised to restore integrity to government, said its bipartisan members had "Done their work thoroughly".

However, Sunak's office refused to say whether he would attend debate and he declined to be drawn on how MPs should decide if report is put to vote.

Opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer, however tried to keep pressure on Sunak to avoid taking sides between report's backers and Johnson's vocal supporters in Conservative party at large.

"He should show leadership. Come along! Get in (voting) lobby and show us where he stands on this," he said on ITV, accusing Johnson of "Miserable misbehaviour".

London's Metropolitan Police force confirmed that it was looking into footage from 2020 Christmas gathering at Conservative headquarters.

Two of those present at party were recognised in Johnson's controversial resignation honours list and faced calls to withdraw their names.

Published in The Daily National Courier, June, 19 2023

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