The news came as Johnson three times refused to say whether he was planning early elections this year, amid speculation that a vote could be called if Sir Keir Starmer is forced to resign as Labor leader for a beer and curry night during of lockdown.
The Privileges Committee said it had begun work to examine whether Mr Johnson “misled Parliament” when he insisted that “all instructions were followed at No. 10” and that there was “no party” on Downing Street during the lockdown. for Covid.
The committee – consisting of seven MPs, four Tories, two Labor and one from the SNP – wanted evidence “of Mr Johnson’s knowledge of operations on Downing Street 10 and the Cabinet of Ministers under Covid-19,” “any information given to Mr Johnson or any questions asked by Mr Johnson concerning these events”.
The committee “also confirmed that it would be willing to receive oral or written evidence from individuals wishing to remain anonymous” before July 29, raising the prospect of Johnson’s former or current colleagues testifying against him.
Although a report by Sue Gray, a senior civil servant, at Downing Street parties kept witnesses’ identities secret, a source at 10 said it would be difficult for Mr Johnson to dispute anonymous details that could in fact be rumors.
The expert said: “How can an ‘accused’ ask / cross-check anonymous information?”
A member of parliament for Mr Johnson added: “It’s embarrassing. Having rumored evidence is not in their spirit. How can you interrogate someone who has not appeared? If you do not trust the process, how can you trust the result? the House of Commons “.
Ms Harman’s appointment – following the resignation of Labor MP Chris Bryant to secure justice over his previous criticism of Mr Johnson – is also worrying.
The Telegraph revealed this month that Mr Harman, 71, a Labor MP from Camberwell and Peckham, had suggested in a social media post that Mr Johnson had misled lawmakers about illegal parties.
