15 June 2023 , 20:20
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The Privileges Committee has done the country a great service. There is no doubt that Boris Johnson is unfit to hold office.
The cross-party group of MPs concluded the former Prime Minister repeatedly lied to Parliament about Partygate, misled the committee and then orchestrated a campaign of abuse and intimidation against those seeking to hold him to account.
The offences committed by Mr Johnson could not be more serious. His behaviour is an insult to all those who followed the rules.
Mr Johnson’s feeble attempt to present himself as the victim of a miscarriage of justice and his Trump-style diatribe at the committee only compound the agony.
It should be remembered that none of this would have come to light were it not for the diligent and dogged reporting by the Mirror.
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Like the committee, we were met with obfuscation and disinformation as we sought to uncover the truth.
Anyone who cares about trust in politics, protecting democracy and upholding standards in public life should ensure Mr Johnson never darkens the door of Westminster again.
On Monday, Rishi Sunak must show some leadership by voting in favour of the Privileges Committee’s recommended sanctions.
To do otherwise would be a failure to stand by his promise, on being elected, to restore integrity and accountability to public life.
If he cares about standards and honesty, the Prime Minister would also banish Mr Johnson to the political wilderness and prevent him from standing as a Conservative MP again.
This is the least he can do after championing Mr Johnson for the top job and then authorising his tarnished resignation honours list.
Johnson has brought shame on the Commons, disgraced his office and corrupted politics. This should be the final chapter in his inglorious career.
Glorious Glenda
Whether on the West End, Broadway or in Westminster, Glenda Jackson never delivered a bad performance.
Her acting was legendary, her politics were passionate and her career was unrivalled.