MPs to vote on whether Boris Johnson misled Parliament over partygate

MPs will get the chance to vote on whether Boris Johnson misled Parliament over his assurances Covid rules were followed in Downing Street, the Commons speaker has announced.

Sir Lindsay Hoyle said he had approved an application from Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and other opposition MPs allowing them to table a motion for debate on Thursday.

It comes as the Prime Minister is expected to make an apology in Parliament after being fined by police for breaching his own lockdown rules.

Johnson, along with his wife Carrie Johnson and chancellor Rishi Sunak, were last week issued with fixed-penalty notices (FPN) by police investigating claims of coronavirus lockdown breaches in No 10.

He is due to make a statement in the House of Commons on Tuesday as MPs return to Westminster following the Easter recess.

Johnson apologised for his part in attending his own birthday bash, held in June 2020 in the Cabinet room, and paid the fine despite telling the Commons previously that all Covid guidance was followed at the heart of Government.

Sir Lindsay told MPs he had “no jurisdiction over the ministerial code” and whether it had been breached, but instead could “decide whether there is an arguable case to be examined”.

Having taken advice from clerks on the matter, the speaker said he had decided to allow Sir Keir to table his motion.

It is understood opposition MPs are working to have Thursday’s vote give them the ability to request the full version of senior civil servant Sue Gray’s inquiry into the Downing Street lockdown gatherings and any potential photographic evidence that exists.