Boris Johnson has announced that he is resigning from Parliament ‘at least for now’, after the Privileges Committee recommended his suspension as an MP for ten days. The Committee had been investigating whether the former PM misled the Commons about parties in Downing Street. Now that he has stepped down, Boris will trigger a by-election in his Uxbridge constituency.
Here’s how MPs have reacted so far:
Priti Patel, former Home Secretary:
‘Boris Johnson has served our country and his constituency with distinction. He led world in supporting Ukraine, got Brexit done, and was our most electorally successful Prime Minister since Margaret Thatcher. Boris is a political titan whose legacy will stand the test of time.’
Jacob Rees-Mogg, former Secretary of State:
‘The early statements by Harriet Harman always risked a partial report. She has damaged the standing of the Commons by her involvement when she judged Boris before hearing a word of evidence.’
Angela Rayner, Labour’s deputy leader:
‘The British public are sick to the back teeth of this never-ending Tory soap opera played out at their expense. After 13 years of Conservative chaos, enough is enough.’
Andrea Jenkyns, in a leaked WhatsApp message:
‘The blob has won, Boris the best PM since Thatcher.’
Sarah Dines, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for safeguarding:
‘So terribly sad to see Boris Johnson who did so much for this country leave Parliament. I was elected to Westminster in 2019 to see the wishes of the British people to leave the EU honoured. Boris delivered Brexit and so much more for the nation.’
Mark Jenkinson, Tory MP for Workington:
‘Very sad tonight as we lose a political giant from the Commons, a man that will go down in the history books as one of the greatest political leaders in my lifetime
Against all odds – an 80 seat Conservative majority, turned Workington Man out to vote for me and delivered Brexit’
Simon Clarke, former Secretary of State for levelling up:
‘Well said Boris Johnson’ – after the former PM described the privileges committee as a ‘kangaroo court’.
Daisy Cooper, the Lib Dem’s deputy leader said:
‘Good riddance.’
John McDonnell, former shadow chancellor, in the same vein:
‘Good riddance.’
Gavin Barwell, former chief of staff to Theresa May:
‘This is straight out of his mate Trump’s playbook – no contrition, conspiracy theories and an aversion to the truth.’
Brendan Clarke-Smith, MP for Bassetlaw:
‘Tonight we saw the end result of a parliamentary witch-hunt which would put a banana republic to shame…
Thank you Boris for everything you have done for Bassetlaw and for this great nation of ours.’
Marco Longhi, Tory MP for Dudley North:
‘Early days in 2020, just elected. Ill like I’d never felt before, almost certainly Covid – nobody knew then. Boris came and sat next to me in the Tea Room and was as kind to me as a family member might have been. Such a sad day today. I know he cared.’
Michael Fabricant, Tory MP:
‘Disgraceful treatment of a political leader who has made world history.’
George Osborne, former Chancellor:
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