Boris verdict ‘could stifle fiery debate’ in Commons

THE inquiry into whether Boris Johnson misled Parliament about Covid-era parties in Downing Street risks damaging democracy by stifling free debate, senior MPs warned.

- David Williamson

There is concern that if the privileges committee – led by former Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman – concludes the PM committed “contempt”, fiery debates in the Commons could become a thing of the past.

One prominent Tory MP said “exuberance and enthusiasm could be snuffed out”.

It is feared MPs will run their statements past lawyers before speaking in the chamber in case they accidentally mislead the Commons and face similar investigations that could doom their political careers.

Allies of Mr Johnson, who will be replaced by Liz Truss or Rishi Sunak next month, want the investigation dropped.

There are worries that if the PM is found guilty he could face a by-election.

One minister warned: “This small yet previously unknown committee could change our country in ways we do not want.

“We need our politicians to be able to debate freely, yet responsibly, in the House of Commons – and if this committee deems Boris Johnson is ‘in contempt’ – it will mean in future MPs will need to have every word analysed by teams of lawyers.”