Boris Johnson 'isn't somebody who can unite' Tory party says Marr
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Boris Johnson could lose his chance to return to Number 10 over the privileges committee’s investigation, Andrew Marr warned. The former Prime Minister could be found to have lied to Parliament by the privileges committee over the Partygate scandal at the very beginning of his premiership – if elected. If the probe rules he has breached the ministerial code, Mr Johnson will be suspended for at least 10 sitting days and will have to face a by-election in his Uxbridge constituency, which he would most likely lose as well as the premiership.
The former BBC Political Editor told LBC: “I simply don’t think he’s somebody who can unite the Tory Party at this stage.
“Even if he’s a winner, even if they enjoy his rambunctious confirmation and all the rest of it – and this personality.
“Finally, of course, there is that privileges committee thing hanging over him. Did he lie to Parliament?
“If they conclude he had, he will have to resign his seat. There will be a by-election in Uxbridge, which is almost certain he’ll lose.”
Mr Marr asked: “What happens then?
“So, all those Tories who think what we need now is calm, measured, serious government for a couple of years to steady the markets – do all we have to do in terms of tax rises and cuts and so forth as cleverly and carefully as we can – and inch forward to an election we can actually win.
“Boris doesn’t really offer them any of that.”
If re-elected Prime Minister, Boris Johnson’s longevity in the highest office of the land would hang in the balance.
Mr Johnson is currently under investigation over whether he misled MPs over the infamous party scandal after he insisted no rules were broken.
The former Prime Minister himself was issued a fixed-penalty notice for breaching the lockdown rules his Government imposed on the country at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
A committee insider told The Sun the evidence was so damning it was likely to lead to a Commons suspension.
“Boris is screwed,” the unnamed source said.
DON’T MISS:
‘Nothing funny about Britain being an international laughing stock’ [COMMENT]
Thatcher wanted a new Britain – Truss just wanted a new job [COMMENT]
Jeffrey Archer lays out Boris Johnson’ path to victory for PM post [REPORT]
Mr Johnson’s political comeback might be short-lived, as the committee is expected to sit in November and could reportedly last for three weeks.
LBC’s Theo Usherwood tweeted: “Warning to Tories about a Boris Johnson come back. Privileges committee inquiry into Partygate slated for beginning of November. Talk of it sitting four-hours-a-day Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday for three weeks.
Citing an unnamed source familiar with the matter, Mr Usherwood said: “There are so many witnesses who want to come forward.”
Boris Johnson has reportedy urged Rishi Sunak – another potential contender – to join forces with him to improve the Conservative party’s chances of winning the next General Election.
READ NEXT:
‘Oh s**t’ Emily Maitlis loses it when she is told of Boris comeback
Boris Johnson’s father demands cut to annuity for former PM
‘Alarm bells should have rung louder in the leadership campaign’
Suella Braverman expected to back Boris Johnson’s comeback as PM
Boris offers olive branch to ‘get back together’ with Rishi Sunak
Source: Read Full Article