Sunak steers clear of Partygate debate as Boris allies condemn 'overreaching' MPs

THE row over Boris Johnson’s future escalated today as MPs were set to debate a damning report that found he lied to Parliament over Partygate.

- Rachael Burford

Allies of the former prime minister continued to insist that the Privileges Committee had “grossly overreached” when it recommended Mr Johnson be suspended for 90 days, had he not resigned, and lose access to a parliamentary pass usually available to ex PMs.

However, MPs are expected to “nod” through the committee’s report this evening after Mr Johnson urged his supporters not to oppose it, arguing the sanctions have no practical effect.

Rishi Sunak and senior Cabinet ministers are expected to skip the debate and Tory MPs are unlikely to want to force a vote on the findings as critics have argued the level of support shown for Mr Johnson would have been low.

Tory MPs will be given a free vote. But allies of Mr Johnson warned they could face battles with their local parties to remain as candidates at the next election if they back the motion.

Former cabinet minister Simon Clarke said: “My views are clear on the Privileges Committee report — and how I would have voted had there been a division. However, this will not now be pushed to a vote and I respect that decision.