Partygate probe MPs 'focusing on Abba bash' held in Boris Johnson's flat

19 February 2023 , 11:02

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Boris Johnson is expected to be grilled by MPs within weeks (Image: Bloomberg via Getty Images)

MPs examining whether Boris Johnson misled Parliament are focusing on an Abba party in his Downing Street flat, it was claimed today.

The former Prime Minister is expected to be grilled by the Commons Privileges Committee in the coming weeks amid allegations he deliberately lied to Parliament, which he denies.

The panel is reportedly studying details of the infamous "Abba party" held in Mr Johnson's flat above 11 Downing Street on November 13, 2020.

At the time, indoor gatherings of two or more people from other households were banned except for permitted exceptions, including if they were "reasonably necessary for work purposes".

The bash, which included booze and food, was said to have been so loud that music by the Swedish quartet could be heard blaring downstairs in the press office and even outside the heavily-protected building.

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The band's music was said to have been blaring from speakers in the flat (PR)

The then PM was said to have been present for at least part of the evening.

While senior civil servant Sue Gray probed claims of lockdown-busting gatherings in Whitehall, she did not investigate that particular party.

But it could form a key plank of the Privileges Committee’s inquiry.

MPs are due to begin hearing evidence this spring.

Mr Johnson was asked about it directly in the Commons, claiming from the Despatch Box that "whatever happened, the guidance was followed and the rules were followed at all times".

MPs believe this could mean he misled the House.

The gathering came in the hours after the exits of the No10 chief aide Dominic Cummings and director of communications Lee Cain.

They left after losing a power struggle with Mr Johnson's then fiancee and now wife, Carrie.

The revelation about one of the main lines of inquiry into Partygate - first exposed by the Mirror - comes after we told how the ex-PM and Mrs Johnson viewed a Georgian, Grade II-listed, detached manor house in recent weeks.

The Mirror revealed last week how the couple had viewed a house in Oxfordshire (Getty Images)

The 400-year-old property in Oxfordshire is set in nearly five acres and its online listing says it is “sold STC [subject to contract]”.

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The advert invited offers “in excess of £4million”.

Mr Johnson recently pocketed £2.5m from a booking agency for speeches he is yet to give.

His spokesman declined to comment on whether the former PM had bought the house, which is close to a church and packed with period features.

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Ben Glaze