Boris Johnson’s recent announcement referred to a “dreadful day for MPs and for democracy,” but the reality is quite the opposite. It marks a significant moment in British parliamentary history where a former prime minister was held accountable for misleading the House of Commons during his tenure. While Mr Johnson would have faced suspension if he had not left parliament, this day is actually a testament to the strength and integrity of British parliamentary democracy, as it confronts one of its most unprincipled domestic adversaries. The true dreadfulness lies in Mr Johnson’s conduct alone.
The privileges committee report exhibits its competence by accomplishing its task. The comprehensive report, spanning over 30,000 words and 108 pages, was compiled over 14 months. It was initiated by a unanimous vote while Mr Johnson was still serving as prime minister. The committee, consisting of experienced and younger MPs, had a Conservative majority, with prominent Brexit supporters occupying senior positions. The inquiry was conducted with meticulousness and fairness. Despite having the votes to support Mr Johnson’s version of events, the committee unanimously rejected it. The only divide among the committee members was whether to expel Mr Johnson entirely (which they opted not to do).
Mr Johnson’s dismissive remarks about the report, labeling it as “complete tripe,” “a charade,” and “a deranged conclusion,” reveal more about his character than the report itself. In truth, the report does not harbor personal animosity towards Mr Johnson, although the tone toughens when addressing his recent insults towards the committee. Consequently, the committee increased his original suspension. While the report tends to assume a higher level of sensitivity from Mr Johnson regarding Covid regulations than he has displayed, there is a valid argument about the consistency of the Commons process with natural justice, which the committee firmly concludes in favor of.
On Monday, the report will be debated in the Commons, with a free vote taking place. Though Mr Johnson’s recent departure from parliament has lessened the significance of this debate, it remains a pivotal moment for parliament, politics, and particularly the Conservative party. Tory MPs now face a choice: standing with parliament or standing with Mr Johnson. Standing with parliament may result in a potential backlash from their constituents, while standing with Mr Johnson would push the party back into the depths from which Rishi Sunak is striving to rescue it.
MPs across all parties must rally behind the committee, asserting the importance of rules, the primacy of parliament over party, and the necessity of rigorous standards in public life. Mr Johnson behaved as if his electoral victories granted him unchecked power to act as he pleased and violate rules and conventions for his own benefit. He regarded the Brexit vote and the 2019 election as personal mandates, enabling him to deceive and distract parliament while others endured hardships. Diminishing the role of parliament was, and continues to be, a central element of his egotistical agenda. It is now parliament’s responsibility to definitively diminish him.
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