Boris Johnson resignation – live: Tories braced for by-election as former PM quits with ‘narcissistic rant’

Boris Johnson claimed he was the “victim of a witch-hunt” as he announced he was resigning as an MP, accusing a Commons investigation into whether he misled parliament over Partygate of attempting to drive him out.

The former prime minister compared the Privileges Committee probe to a “kangaroo court” as he quit.

Calling for the committee’s investigation to be ended, he said he believed it was “determined to use the proceedings against me to drive me out of parliament”.

But some saw his wording as a hint he would make a comeback and mount a leadership challenge to Rishi Sunak, at whom he also took a swipe.

“It is very sad to be leaving Parliament – at least for now – but above all I am bewildered and appalled that I can be forced out, anti-democratically, by a committee chaired and managed, by Harriet Harman, with such egregious bias,” he said.

Chris Bryant, the Labour MP and chair of parliament’s standards committee, described Mr Johnson’s resignation as a “narcissistic rant”.

He also said Mr Johnson “effectively leaked” the inquiry’s findings and suggested he could be hit with a second contempt charge.

Key Points

• Johnson ‘effectively leaked’ probe’s findings and could be hit with second contempt charge - MP

• Johnson stands down with swipe at ‘kangaroo court’ probe

• Ex-PM ‘bewildered and appalled’ by investigation

• I’m victim of a witch-hunt, he claims

• Ex-PM launches all-out assault on Sunak amid fresh leadership bid speculation

• The resignation statement in full

Johnson quits over probe into whether he misled parliament

Friday 9 June 2023 20:37 , Matt Mathers

Boris Johnson is resigning as an MP after accusing a Commons investigation into whether he misled Parliament over partygate of attempting to “drive me out”.

The former prime minister, in a statement to the media, compared the Privileges Committee probe to a “kangaroo court” as he announced his intention to step down as MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip.

He said, after receiving a letter from the committee, he believed it was “determined to use the proceedings against me to drive me out of Parliament”.

“It is very sad to be leaving Parliament – at least for now – but above all I am bewildered and appalled that I can be forced out, anti-democratically, by a committee chaired and managed, by Harriet Harman, with such egregious bias,” he said.

The announcement, coming only hours after his resignation honours list had been published, means the Conservatives are likely to face a tough battle to hold onto the London seat at a by-election.

It was the second by-election triggered on Friday following former culture secretary Nadine Dorries’ decision to quit the Commons immediately, rather than wait until the next election.

We are resuming our earlier political coverage, which had been suspended.

Boris Johnson quits as MP over investigation into whether he misled parliament

Tories in ‘meltdown’ and must call election ‘now’ - Lib Dems

14:40 , Matt Mathers

The Conservative Party is in “meltdown” and must call a general election “now” following the resignation of Nigel Adams, the Lib Dems have said.

"After years of failing our NHS and failing to deal with the cost-of-living crisis it is time people across the country have their opportunity to give a verdict on this chaotic Conservative government,” deputy leader Daisy Cooper said.

Party leader Ed Davey also called for a national poll following the resignations of Boris Johnson and Nadine Dorries, a strong ally of the former prime minister.

Mr Adams is also a supporter of Mr Johnson. Sir Bill Cash has also announced he is stepping down as an MP, although he will remain in his seat until the next election.

Breaking: Tories facing third by-election test as another Boris Johnson ally quits as MP

14:22 , Matt Mathers

Rishi Sunak is facing an unwelcome third by-election test after another MP ally of Boris Johnson dramatically quit his seat on Saturday.

Nigel Adams, the MP for Selby and Ainsty, said he had told his party he would be standing down “with immediate effect” – triggering a contest to replace him.

Jon Stone has the full report:

Tories facing third by-election test as another Boris Johnson ally quits as MP

14:09 , Stephanie Cockroft

Tories facing third by-election test as another Boris Johnson ally quits as MP

MP Nigel Adams, an ally of Boris Johnson, has announced he will be standing down with “immediate effect”, triggering a by-election in his Selby and Ainsty consistency.

It comes after Boris Johnson and Nadine Dorries quit on Friday.

ICYMI: Nadine Dorries dramatically quits as MP amid Boris Johnson’s honours list snub

14:00 , Matt Mathers

Conservative MP Nadine Dorries has resigned her seat with immediate effect after she was passed over for a peerage in Boris Johnson’s resignation honours.

The former culture secretary has caused a major headache for Rishi Sunak by triggering a by-election contest – saying she thought it was time for someone else to represent the area.

Jon Stone reports:

Nadine Dorries dramatically quits as MP amid Boris Johnson’s honours list snub

Johnson labelled a ‘coward’ for quitting as MP before partygate report released

13:30 , Matt Mathers

Boris Johnson has been accused of being a coward for quitting as an MP before the findings of a cross-party investigation into whether he lied to the Commons has been published.

Angela Rayner, Labour’s deputy leader, said the former prime minister had “jumped” to avoid facing a potential by-election in his marginal constituency.

Patrick Daly reports:

Johnson labelled a ‘coward’ for quitting as MP before partygate report released

Tory MP Bill Cash to step down at next election

13:06 , Matt Mathers

Sir Bill Cash, the veteran Conservative MP and arch Eurosceptic, has announced he will step down at the next election and retire from political life.

In a statement published on Stone Conservatives website, Sir Bill said: "It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve as the MP for Stone for the past 26 years and for Stafford before that for 13 years - having received 64% of the vote on a 72% turnout at the last general election.

"I have made the decision to retire at the next general election.

"I am now 83 years old and will therefore have served in Parliament for 40 years by the next general election."

He added: "Retiring is a big wrench because I love the House of Commons and my constituents.

"I have done my best over the time, and I thank everyone for what they have done for me."

‘Farce’ surrounding Johnson’s honours list bring system into question - former Lords speaker

12:25 , Matt Mathers

The “farce” surrounding Boris Johnson’s resignation honours list brings into question whether former prime ministers should be able to hand out awards after leaving office, according to a former House of Lords speaker.

Baron Fowler of Sutton Coldfield said prime minister Rishi Sunak has “an opportunity to put all this right” by reforming the system whereby outgoing No 10 incumbents have the right to put forward an honours roll.

Lord Fowler told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that, upon hearing that Mr Johnson’s honours roll was to be published, he assumed there had been “no problem” with the committee investigation when the “exact opposite” was the case.

“I think it just brings into question the whole business of prime ministers’ honours,” the former Tory Party chairman said.

“It has been a farce really from beginning to end. There has been leak after leak of the whole thing. It’s no way of running a government.”

Opposition parties are wasting no time moving to exploit Tory woes

12:05 , Matt Mathers

Labour’s campaign coordinator Shabana Mahmood will be campaigning in Boris Johnson’s west London seat on Saturday – less than 24 hours after he resigned, Jon Stone reports.

The opposition hopes its buoyant poll ratings will translate to capturing the constituency – throwing Rishi Sunak’s party into even more chaos and recriminations.

The Liberal Democrats are meanwhile focusing their efforts on Mid Bedfordshire, which was vacated by Nadine Dorries.

They hope to replicate a string of by-election successes in "blue wall" rural and suburban areas that were previously considered to be safe Conservatives seats.

What by-elections mean for Rishi Sunak as Boris Johnson and Nadine Dorries step down

11:50 , Matt Mathers

The immediate resignations of Boris Johnson and Nadine Dorries last night left Rishi Sunak facing two imminent by-elections.

And while his Conservative government commands a healthly 24,664 majority in Ms Dorries’ Mid Bedfordshire constituency, the situation is far more precarious in the former prime minister’s seat of Uxbridge and South Ruislip.

The Independent has taken a look at how the Tories’ odds fair in the looming polls. Oliver Pritchard-Jones reports:

What the Dorries and Johnson by-elections mean for Sunak

Johnson could be suspended again if he stands in another constituency

11:34 , Matt Mathers

Boris Johnson could be suspended again if he stands in another constituency, the chair of the Commons privileges committee has said.

Labour’s Chris Bryant said a privileges report can be into the conduct of a former or non member.

“So the idea he’d stand in another seat is for the birds,” Mr Bryant said. “He’d just be suspended again.”

Moment BBC audience erupts in applause at news of Boris Johnson’s resignation

11:08 , Matt Mathers

Applause erupted as a BBC Radio 4 audience learned of Boris Johnson‘s resignation during the recording of an Any Questions episode on Friday, 9 June, in Pembrokeshire, Holly Patrick reports.

Host Alex Forsyth relayed the news that the former prime minister announced he is quitting as an MP, claiming he is the victim of a Partygate and Brexit witch-hunt.

Mr Johnson’s resignation came as he received a report by a committee of MPs into whether he misled the Commons over his partygate assurances.

“I really like the guy and I’m sorry he’s gone,” panellist and Conservative minister David TC Davies said to groans from the audience.

Watch: Boris Johnson’s former press secretary reacts to ‘deeply misleading’ resignation letter

10:22 , Matt Mathers

Boris Johnson’s former press secretary has described the ex-prime minister’s resignation statement as “Trumpian.”

Speaking to Sky News, Will Walden said his former boss had used the “language of vendetta” in a letter, which he called “deeply misleading in places,” announcing he is to step down as an MP.

Mr Johnson’s resignation came on Friday, 9 June, as he received a report by a committee of MPs into whether he misled the Commons over his partygate assurances.

The former prime minister wrote that he is being “driven” out of Parliament and claimed that he was a victim of a Partygate and Brexit witch-hunt.

Holly Patrick reports:

Johnson’s former press secretary reacts to ‘deeply misleading’ resignation letter

Johnson’s shock announcement came after ‘cronies’ rewarded in ‘sickening’ honours list

10:12 , Matt Mathers

Boris Johnson has been accused of a “sickening insult” to the bereaved after he gave honours to allies embroiled in the Partygate scandal, including one dubbed “party Marty”.

Martin Reynolds, his former principal private secretary who boasted “we seem to have got away with” the “bring your own booze” garden party during coronavirus restrictions, has been nominated for a peerage.

Kate Devlin and Archie Mitchell report:

Johnson honours list includes ‘bring your own booze’ Partygate aide

‘No respect for the British public'

09:30 , Matt Mathers

Angela Rayner said Boris Johnson had let down those voters who handed him his landslide election victory in 2019, arguing that the former prime minister has shown he had "no respect for the British public".

The deputy Labour leader told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: "I think the people put their trust in him because they thought he was about change and he was about putting them at the heart of decision-making, and he has let them down truly in the most devastating way at the time when they needed him most.

"No one could have predicted what happened to this country during the pandemic, but at the time when the public needed him the most, he basically was partying and lying to them at a time when they couldn’t see their loved ones.

"And that is unforgivable.

"The fact that he cannot recognise the damage that he has done, and he has tried to stuff the Lords with people that propped him up and helped him and assisted him at the time shows us that actually he had no respect for the British public.

"It was all about Boris and it has always been all about Boris to him, and people will be left disappointed by his legacy."

Talk of Johnson comeback ‘feels Trumpian’ - former spokesman

09:16 , Matt Mathers

Talk of Boris Johnson’s return as an MP in the future “feels very Trumpian”, his former spokesman has said.

In his resignation letter, Mr Johnson said he was “very sad” to be leaving parliament “at least for now”, fuelling speculation that he could attempt a chicken run to a safer seat.

Will Walden spoke to BBC Radio 4 earlier and also suggested the former PM resigned because he had seen the “writing was on the wall”.

“He knew he probably would lose a by-election in his marginal seat,” Mr Walden said,

“His primary motivation here, as it has been for the last year or so, is protecting his version of the narrative.

"So by going, as he has, all guns blazing, he is able to avoid defeat, he is able to blame pretty much everyone else, including it seems anyone that voted Remain in 2016.”

He added: "There is no plan but he is preparing himself for what might be next without the humiliation of being kicked out.

"But it is so Boris. He told the committee that if they found against him, he wouldn’t respect the outcome - and so it has proved, there is no great surprise here."

Resignation not the end for Johnson - former spokesman

09:04 , Matt Mathers

Boris Johnson’s resignation as an MP doesn’t mean the end of his political career, his former spokesman has said.

Will Walden told Radio 4: "I think the most important thing that people need to understand this morning is there is only one thing driving Boris and that is that he likes to win, or at least not to lose.

"And he hasn’t lost an election for 26 years, when the voters of Clwyd South decided he wasn’t their man in 1997.

"I think the first thing to understand is this report clearly threatened to change all that.

"He had seen the writing on the wall, he knew he probably would lose a by-election in his marginal seat. His primary motivation here, as it has been for the last year or so, is protecting his version of the narrative.”

What the papers say - 10 June

08:57 , Matt Mathers

Not for the first time, Boris Johnson is dominating UK politics after announcing his resignation last night.

The former prime minister quit after being handed the findings of the Partygate inquiry into whether or not he misled parliament over Covid lockdown breaches.

The news makes most of the front pages. Here’s how some of the papers covered Mr Johnson’s resignation:

Lib Dems call for general election

08:33 , Matt Mathers

Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey said there should be a general election following the resignation of Boris Johnson as an MP.

Speaking to the BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, he said: "I think there should actually be a general election.

"I think the chaos and division in the Conservative Party, the fact that they’re so out of touch on the cost of living, on the NHS, it means we’ve got to put the country out of its misery with these Conservatives.

"I doubt they’ll do it, because I don’t think they’ve got the courage to do it. But Rishi Sunak should call a general election and, on the back of Boris Johnson’s resignation, let’s get rid of them."

Johnson is a ‘coward’ who ‘jumped’ - Rayner

08:21 , Matt Mathers

Former prime minister Boris Johnson has been accused of being a "coward" by resigning before a Commons Partygate investigation into his comments is published.

Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner told BBC Radio 5 Live: "To me, he is a coward.

"He knows that the Privileges Committee has seen through this fiasco and he has jumped.

"He could have defended himself, he could have gone to his constituents and fought the suspension, and he has decided he is not going to do that because he knows he is in the wrong.

"And he has never apologised to what he has done to the British people... he has basically been gaslighting the nation, and I think he is a disgrace."

Boris Johnson’s resignation letter - read it in full

07:45 , Matt Mathers

Boris Johnson has sensationally resigned as an MP over an investigation into his conduct by the Privileges Committee.

The former prime minister claims he has been anti-democratically forced out of parliament, branding the probe a “hitjob”.

His full resignation statement is below:

Boris Johnson’s resignation statement in full

Johnson could be hit with second contempt charge for behaviour in past 24 hours - Bryant

07:24 , Matt Mathers

Boris Johnson could be hit with an additional contempt of parliament charge for his behaviour over the past 24 hours, the chair of the parliament’s privileges committee has said.

The former prime minister announced his resignation last night and effectively pre-empted the findings of the Partygate inquiry, which he described as a “kangaroo court”.

Reports said the inquiry was due to find that he did mislead parliament over Partygate and recommend a lengthy suspension.

“They may want to conclude that there has been an additional contempt of parliament by the way that Boris Johnson has behaved in the past 24 hours,” Chris Bryant told BBC Radio 4.

“And the attacks on the committee…which are an attack on the whole house. I don’t think anybody can be in any doubt now that Boris Johnson holds parliament in contempt”.

Mr Bryant, a senior Labour MP, recused himself from any Partygate probe to avoid any suggestion that it could become unfair. Harriet Harman, also a senior Labour MP, chaired the inquiry, which has a Conservative majority.

Partygate inquiry to be published ‘promptly'

07:14 , Matt Mathers

A report into whether Boris Johnson misled MPs over his Partygate assurances will be published “promptly” after the former prime minister’s decision to dramatically quit the Commons.

The Commons Privileges Committee said the cross-party panel of MPs will meet on Monday to complete its inquiry.

It comes after Mr Johnson launched a blistering attack on the Conservative-majority committee, comparing it to a “kangaroo court” and a “witch hunt”, as he announced his intention to stand down as an MP and trigger an immediate by-election.

In a statement, a spokesman said: “The committee has followed the procedures and the mandate of the House at all times and will continue to do so.

“Mr Johnson has departed from the processes of the House and has impugned the integrity of the House by his statement.

“The committee will meet on Monday to conclude the inquiry and to publish its report promptly.”

07:11 , Matt Mathers

Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s live politics coverage.

We’ll be covering Boris Johnson’s resignation and other stories from Westminster and elsewhere.

Stay tuned for all the latest updates.

'Johnson should be angry with Tories who voted against him’

01:00 , Jane Dalton

Mr Johnson’s rage is directed at committee chairwoman Harriet Harman, but she had a casting vote only if votes were tied, as chief political commentator John Rentoul points out. Four Tories on the committee went against him:

‘Self-serving and dishonest’

Saturday 10 June 2023 00:30 , Jane Dalton

Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy tweeted a scathing assessment of Mr Johnson, hitting out at his alleged breach of Covid laws.

He tweeted: “Good riddance please to the most self-serving, venal, divisive and dishonest prime minister of my lifetime.

“You will forever be remembered as the prime minister who thought himself above the laws he created for everyone else.”

Johnson’s resignation honours ‘sickening insult'

Saturday 10 June 2023 00:01 , Jane Dalton

Boris Johnson’s resignation honours list, released shortly before he announced he was stepping down, was branded a “sickening insult” to the bereaved after he gave honours to allies embroiled in the Partygate scandal, including one dubbed ‘party Marty’.

Martin Reynolds, his former principal private secretary who boasted “we seem to have got away with” the ‘bring your own booze’ garden party” during coronavirus restrictions, received a gong.

Johnson honours list includes ‘bring your own booze’ Partygate aide

Priti Patel praises ‘political titan'

Friday 9 June 2023 23:30 , Jane Dalton

Mr Johnson’s home secretary Priti Patel said he had served his 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,” she wrote.

Jenkyns refuses to quit

Friday 9 June 2023 22:55 , Jane Dalton

Tory MP for Morley and Outwood, Dame Andrea Jenkyns, who was nominated for the honour by Boris Johnson, has said she would not stand down too.

She tweeted: “To the journalists calling me tonight, just to clarify I am certainly not resigning.

“Its (sic) a great honour to serve my constituents & our great country. The unjust events & Boris Johnson resignation tonight has made me more determined to stand up to the blob wherever they reside.”

‘Good riddance’ to man not fit to be MP, say Lib Dems

Friday 9 June 2023 22:22 , Jane Dalton

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said Mr Johnson “was never fit to be an MP let alone prime minister of our great country”.

He broke the law and lied about it, and had jumped before he was pushed, he said.

Party deputy leader Daisy Cooper said it was “good riddance” to Mr Johnson.

Labour has 19-point lead in Uxbridge

Friday 9 June 2023 21:37 , Jane Dalton

Polling released by Savanta suggests Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour currently holds a 19-point lead over the Tories in Mr Johnson’s former west London constituency.

It puts Labour on 52 per cent against the Tories’ 33 per cent.

‘Pathetic farce generated by egotist and charlatan'

Friday 9 June 2023 21:34 , Jane Dalton

Remain-supporting MP Anna Soubry condemned the “psycho-drama in the Conservative Party” when there are bigger issues a government should be looking at.

“Instead we have this pathetic farce generated, as ever, by the great egotist and charlatan, Boris Johnson,” she said.

Dismissing the idea the committee was a stitch-up, she said Mr Johnson clearly wasn’t confident he would get the necessary support in the Commons.

His constituents facing the cost-of-living crisis had been badly served, she told Sky News.

He jumped before he was pushed, say SNP

Friday 9 June 2023 21:25 , Jane Dalton

The SNP’s deputy Westminster leader said Mr Johnson had “jumped before he was pushed”.

Mhairi Black, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South, said: “Boris Johnson has jumped before he was pushed, and no one in Scotland will be sorry to see the back of him but he has also underlined the weakness of Rishi Sunak, who has no authority over the bitterly divided Tory party.

“Sunak has been utterly humiliated. On the day he was forced to accept Johnson’s dodgy honours list to shore up his position, his predecessor has stuck two fingers up at him and reminded everyone that Sunak was unable to take action for fear of a leadership challenge.

“This sordid Tory scandal is yet another reminder of how broken and corrupt the Westminster system is - and why it is essential that Scotland becomes an independent country, so we can escape Westminster control and get rid of unelected Tory governments for good.”

Ex-PM launches all-out assault on Sunak amid fresh leadership bid speculation

Friday 9 June 2023 21:22 , Jane Dalton

Boris Johnson used his resignation statement to launch an all-out assault on Rishi Sunak, saying he was leaving parliament – but added that this was “for now”. Jon Stone reports:

Boris Johnson blasts Rishi Sunak amid speculation of possible leadership challenge

Extraordinary career of former prime minister

Friday 9 June 2023 21:19 , Jane Dalton

He was the London mayor who basked in the glory of the 2012 Olympics, before leading the Conservatives to a landmark election victory on the back of his promise to “get Brexit done”. Joe Sommerlad looks back at Mr Johnson’s colourful career:

From Fleet Street to Partygate: Boris Johnson’s extraordinary rise and fall

Johnson treated disgracefully, says ally

Friday 9 June 2023 21:16 , Jane Dalton

Sir Michael Fabricant, who received a knighthood in Boris Johnson’s long-awaited resignation honours list, said the former prime minister had been the subject of “disgraceful treatment”.

He tweeted: “Disgraceful treatment of a political leader who has made world history.”

I’m victim of witch-hunt, claims ex-PM

Friday 9 June 2023 21:08 , Jane Dalton

Boris Johnson has claimed he is the victim of a partygate and Brexit witch-hunt:

Boris Johnson quits as MP and claims he is victim of ‘partygate and Brexit witchunt’

Resignation statement in full

Friday 9 June 2023 21:07 , Jane Dalton

Mr Johnson’s resignation statement begins: “I have received a letter from the Privileges Committee making it clear - much to my amazement - that they are determined to use the proceedings against me to drive me out of parliament.” Read the statement in full:

Boris Johnson’s resignation statement in full

Tories face uphill battle to hold on to Uxbridge seat

Friday 9 June 2023 21:05 , Jane Dalton

The Conservatives are likely to face a tough battle to hold on to Mr Johnson’s Uxbridge and South Ruislip seat at a by-election.

Mr Johnson held his seat with a majority of 7,200 votes at the 2019 contest, with Labour his closest rival.

It was the second by-election triggered today following former culture secretary Nadine Dorries’ decision to quit the Commons immediately, rather than wait until the next election.

The Privileges Committee has been investigating whether Mr Johnson misled MPs when he assured them that Covid rules were followed in No 10 following allegations of lockdown-busting parties.

Rayner attacks ‘Tory soap opera'

Friday 9 June 2023 20:57 , Jane Dalton

Angela Rayner, Labour deputy leader, said: “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.

“It’s time to turn the page with a fresh start for Britain with a Labour government focused on the people’s priorities of tackling the cost-of-living crisis and building a better future.”

Johnson launches tirade at Sunak government

Friday 9 June 2023 20:52 , Jane Dalton

Mr Johnson used his resignation statement to deliver a stinging attack on Rishi Sunak’s government.

“When I left office last year the government was only a handful of points behind in the polls. That gap has now massively widened,” he said.

“Just a few years after winning the biggest majority in almost half a century, that majority is now clearly at risk. Our party needs urgently to recapture its sense of momentum and its belief in what this country can do.

“We need to show how we are making the most of Brexit and we need in the next months to be setting out a pro-growth and pro-investment agenda. We need to cut business and personal taxes - and not just as pre-election gimmicks - rather than endlessly putting them up. We must not be afraid to be a properly Conservative government.

“Why have we so passively abandoned the prospect of a Free Trade Deal with the US? Why have we junked measures to help people into housing or to scrap EU directives or to promote animal welfare?

“We need to deliver on the 2019 manifesto, which was endorsed by 14 million people. We should remember that more than 17 million voted for Brexit. “

Johnson ‘bewildered and appalled’ by investigation

Friday 9 June 2023 20:49 , Jane Dalton

Boris Johnson said he was quitting his seat and triggering an immediate by-election because he was “bewildered and appalled” at the Privileges Committee’s investigation into him.

He said he had received a letter from the committee which is investigating whether he lied to MPs over partygate “making it clear, much to my amazement, that they are determined to use the proceedings against me to drive me out of Parliament”.

He said: “I have today written to my association in Uxbridge and South Ruislip to say that I am stepping down forthwith and triggering an immediate by-election,” he said.

“I am very sorry to leave my wonderful constituency. It has been a huge honour to serve them, both as mayor and MP.”

He added: “It is very sad to be leaving parliament, at least for now, but above all I am bewildered and appalled that I can be forced out, anti-democratically, by a committee chaired and managed, by Harriet Harman, with such egregious bias.”

Thursday 8 June 2023 17:24 , Sam Rkaina

We’re pausing our live coverage of Boris Johnson for the evening but keep checking independent.co.uk for the latest updates.

ICYMI: Could the NHS weight-loss jab also shrink your tax bill?

Thursday 8 June 2023 16:00 , Matt Mathers

Cutting sickness could give the chancellor headroom for pre-election giveaways, says Andrew Grice.

Read Andrew’s full analysis here:

Could the NHS weight-loss jab also shrink your tax bill?

Washington update: Sunak says UK ‘well placed’ to lead AI regulation

Thursday 8 June 2023 15:40 , Matt Mathers

As we reported earlier, Rishi Sunak is in Washington for talks with president Joe Biden on the war in Ukraine, the global economy, AI and other topics.

The prime minister has been speaking to broadcasters there, insisting that the UK is “well placed” to lead on the regulation of AI.

He also pushed back against suggestions that he his failure to secure a trade deal with the US was a “broken promise”. The 2019 Conservative Party manifesto said the UK would get a deal with Washington within three years.

"I think that UK is well-placed to take a leadership role in shaping the conversation about how we regulate AI so that we can enjoy its benefits, which clearly there are many, but do so in a way that protects our countries and citizens, and make sure it is used safely and securely,” he said.

"The UK is research-based, (has the) companies - everything points to us.

"Our ability to move quickly, to put regulation in place, is really important in an industry and technology that itself is changing very rapidly.

"I’ll be discussing that with president Biden today. I’m delighted the US is supporting our summit. I’ve also spoken to the companies involved about this when I convened them in Downing Street a few weeks ago.

"I think they’re also keen to support the UK in helping to develop what needs to be a global architecture for regulation ultimately."

On the trade deal, Mr Sunak said: "Since then we’ve had a pandemic, we’ve had a war in Ukraine, and that has changed the macroeconomic situation. The right response to that is ensure that we’re focusing our engagement economically on the things that will make the most difference."

He added: "Actually, what I’ll be talking to president Biden about today is how can the UK and the US work together to ensure security for our citizens? I think that’s the thing that we should be focusing on right now."

UK bans import of gold from Belarus in fresh wave of sanctions

Thursday 8 June 2023 15:20 , Matt Mathers

The UK is banning imports of gold from Belarus in a new wave of sanctions aimed at increasing economic pressure on the Kremlin-backed regime.

Internet providers will also be forced to restrict access in Britain to websites spreading propaganda from the country, the government said.

Bans will be placed on the import of gold, cement, wood and rubber - all sources of revenue for authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko’s regime - to the UK.

Tory donor Crispin Odey accused of sexual assault

Thursday 8 June 2023 15:00 , Matt Mathers

The multimillionaire hedge fund manager Crispin Odey has been accused of sexual misconduct by multiple woman who have worked with him.

The Tory donor, a leading figure in London’s financial world, faces shocking allegations that he groped female members of staff and masturbated on a female entrepreneur.

A law firm representing Mr Odey said he “strenuously denies” the allegations.

Adam Forrest reports:

Tory donor Crispin Odey accused of sexual assault

Sadiq Khan rejects government bid to berth asylum barge in east London

Thursday 8 June 2023 14:45 , Matt Mathers

Permission to berth a barge accommodating asylum seekers at an east London dock has been rejected, according to a letter from Sadiq Khan to the home secretary.

The Labour mayor of London told Suella Braverman: "I am writing to you following the recent decision by the Royal Docks Management Authority (RoDMA) to reject the use of King George V Dock as a berth to accommodate people seeking asylum.

"I wish first to put on record my support for this decision and secondly to outline my absolute opposition to the government’s policy of housing asylum seekers on vessels.

"The capital has a proud history of providing sanctuary for those seeking refuge, including during World War II and our most recent efforts to support those fleeing conflict in Afghanistan and Ukraine. Our city’s welcoming attitude and our diverse communities are what make London so great.

"I am deeply concerned by the government’s plans to place asylum seekers and refugees in vessels.

"It is unclear how ministers will seek to ensure those housed in such vessels, some of whom are fleeing the most appalling of circumstances, will have access to the necessary support, both on arrival and in rebuilding their lives."

Four Just Stop Oil protesters arrested in central London

Thursday 8 June 2023 14:20 , Matt Mathers

Four Just Stop Oil protesters have been arrested after refusing to leave the road while demonstrating in central London.

Slow-walking protesters were instructed to leave the road in Trafalgar Square shortly after 12.30pm on Thursday. Most complied but three men and a woman remained in the road.

Police removed them from the road and arrested them.

The protest was attended by Dale Vince, the clean energy entreprenuer who has donated more than £1m to the Labour Party.

He said: “I’m here to support the incredibly brave people of Just Stop Oil. They put themselves and their liberty on the line.

"I support them in other ways, in the media and with donations, but I thought I would do more."

Starmer: Labour would ‘seize opportunity’ to revive British steel industry

Thursday 8 June 2023 14:11 , Matt Mathers

Labour would seize the opportunities for British steel, Sir Keir Starmer said, as he vowed to protect the embattled industry.

The Labour leader visited the British Steel site in Scunthorpe on Thursday, as he accused the Conservatives of leaving the industry and its workers in a "cycle of crisis and bailout".

Dominic McGrath reports:

Starmer: Labour would ‘seize opportunity’ to revive British steel industry

Sunak distracted by Boris honours list, says Starmer

Thursday 8 June 2023 14:05 , Matt Mathers

Sir Keir Starmer has said that Rishi Sunak is only focused on “managing” the Conservative Party after reports the PM has accepted Boris Johnson’’ recommendations for peerages, Adam Forrest reports.

The Labour leader said: “The Conservative Party is, as ever, talking about the Conservative Party and how they appease different bits of their own party. Whether it’s Boris Johnson’s WhatsApp messages, Boris Johnson’s peerages, all the prime minister is doing is managing his own party instead of running the country.”

He said that anyone concerned about the cost of living is “going to see a government that is putting a party first, not country first”.

Sunak will snub Trump while on trip to the US

Thursday 8 June 2023 13:55 , Matt Mathers

Rishi Sunak will snub Donald Trump while on his visit to the US, saying he is too busy to meet with the former president.

The prime minister is holding talks with president Joe Biden later but has no plans to see Mr Trump.

“I’ve got a pretty busy schedule,” he told reporters yesterday when asked if he would hold talks with Mr Trump, who has announced another tilt at the White House next year.

“I’m meeting key Congressional leaders from both sides and obviously the president,” he went on. “Those are the key engagements that I have.”

Artificial intelligence is the future of war, former national security adviser says

Thursday 8 June 2023 13:40 , Matt Mathers

The UK should invest in artificial intelligence-driven weapons systems to stop it falling behind other countries, a former national security advisor has said.

Speaking at a parliamentary committee Mark Sedwill said AI was "the future of defence capability" and that the UK needed to invest in order to "punch its weight".

Lord Sedwill’s comments come after Rishi Sunak‘s technology advisor said that AI could become powerful enough to “kill many humans” in only two years’ time.

Jon Stone reports:

AI is the future of war, former national security advisor Mark Sedwill says

Hunt set for £3bn windfall from lower-than-expected energy help spending

Thursday 8 June 2023 13:25 , Matt Mathers

Jeremy Hunt is set for a £3bn windfall after the government spent less on energy bill help because Britons reduced their usage through winter.

The Treasury had expected to spend £42.6 billion on energy support schemes announced last Autumn to help consumers and firms with spiralling prices as a consequence of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

But Office for Budget Responsibility figures due to be published on Thursday would show £3bn less was spent, according to The Times.

Enough magical thinking – we need to be honest about the economy

Thursday 8 June 2023 13:10 , Matt Mathers

Britain’s politicians need to have a frank conversation about taxes, Europe, immigration and public services, writes James Moore.

Read James’s full analysis here:

Enough magical thinking – we need to be honest about the economy | James Moore

ICYMI - Angela Rayner vs Oliver Dowden: a clash of the uninspiring understudies

Thursday 8 June 2023 12:40 , Matt Mathers

The only explanation for such a dispiriting session of Prime Minister’s Questions is that neither deputy wanted to do well, writes John Rentoul.

Read John’s full PMQs analysis here:

Angela Rayner vs Oliver Dowden: a clash of uninspiring understudies | John Rentoul

Thursday 8 June 2023 12:20 , Matt Mathers

Labour frontbencher Jess Phillips has avoided sanction by Parliament’s Standards Committee after failing to register a financial interest by the deadline for the second time in a year.

The shadow safeguarding minister declared a payment of £1,000 for giving a lecture at Bristol University in October 2022 two days after the 28-day deadline set by the Commons.

The parliamentary Standards Commissioner said Ms Phillips had breached the MPs’ Code of Conduct in a “relatively minor way” but warned that repeatedly treating the register “in a casual and inattentive fashion is a serious matter”.

Nina Lloyd and Christopher McKeon report:

Jess Phillips avoids sanction despite again failing to declare payment on time

Tories raise £12m in three months

Thursday 8 June 2023 11:56 , Matt Mathers

The Conservative Party raised more than £12 million in donations in the first three months of the year, according to figures from the Electoral Commission.

Donations to the Tories published on Thursday far outstripped those to other parties, with Labour raising only £4.4 million and the Liberal Democrats £1.3 million.

In total, the Conservatives received £12.3 million in the first quarter of 2023, with public funding taking Labour and the Liberal Democrats’ totals to £5.9 million and £1.7 million respectively.

Christopher McKeon reports:

Tories raise £12m in three months thanks to boost from billionaire treasurer

Everything you need to know about Boris Johnson and the UK Covid-19 Inquiry

Thursday 8 June 2023 11:29 , Matt Mathers

Headlines out of Westminster this week have been dominated by the back and forth between the government, Boris Johnson, and the UK Covid inquiry.

Here, Jon Stone reports on what you need to know about the story:

Everything you need to know about Boris Johnson and the UK Covid-19 Inquiry

Lib Dems: Put Johnson’s honours list ‘through the shredder’

Thursday 8 June 2023 11:00 , Matt Mathers

Boris Johnson’s resignation honours list should be "put through the shredder", the Lib Dems have said.

Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper accused the prime minister of rewarding "failure" by allegedly giving the list the green light.

"The fact that one of the most scandal-ridden prime ministers is now allowed to stuff his cronies in the Lords after a failed premiership tells the British public everything they need to know about this Conservative Party," she said.

"Boris Johnson caused crisis after crisis in this country - if Rishi Sunak rewards his failure it’s just proof it is one rule for the Conservatives and another for everyone else.

"The buck stops with Sunak - he must ensure that Johnson’s honours list is put through the shredder."

China to be excluded from UK’s AI summit

Thursday 8 June 2023 10:45 , Matt Mathers

China will be excluded from a conference on AI regulation hosted by the UK later this year, it has been reported.

Rishi Sunak, after his meeting with Joe Biden, will announce that Britain will host a global summit in the autumn.

Invitations will be sent out at the “appropriate time” to “like-minded countries”, but China will not be asked to attend, the Financial Times reports.

Sunak trying to draw a line under honours list saga, Tory MP says

Thursday 8 June 2023 10:30 , Matt Mathers

Rishi Sunak has accepted Boris Johnson’s honours list because he doesn’t want to waste any more time fighting with his predecessor, a Tory MP has said.

Bob Seely said the PM wanted to draw a line under the year-long row over the controversial 50-strong list, saying “anything to do with Boris is frankly a distraction”.

More comments from the Isle of Wight MP below:

The row over Mr Johnson’s list intensified earlier this year following reports he had nominated his father Stanley for a knighthood.

Such gongs are typically awarded to people who have made outstanding contributions to charity, business, science, sport, the arts and other areas of public life.

Prime ministers can nominate people for awards and can make appointments to the House of Lords, parliament’s second chamber.

What is the ex-prime minister’s honours list and why is it controversial?

Call to act on ‘dangerous’ conditions around Westminster for disabled people

Thursday 8 June 2023 10:15 , Matt Mathers

Disabled peers have spoken about being “harangued” on their way to Parliament as a report said not enough was being done to safeguard access to Westminster for the less abled.

A report by the Policy Exchange said protests had often blocked the passageway of disabled people as it called on the Metropolitan Police to do more to protect pedestrian walkways for those in wheelchairs and with other disabilities.

Lord Blencathra, in a testimony shared with the report writers, said he had missed hospital appointments due to his access being blocked.

Patrick Daly reports:

Call to act on ‘dangerous’ conditions around Westminster for disabled people

Poll predicting Labour landslide is ‘rubbish’ - Kellner

Thursday 8 June 2023 10:00 , Matt Mathers

A polling expert has dismissed as “rubbish” a new survey suggesting Labour is on course for landslide victory at the general election.

A survey carried out by FocalData and commissioned by Best for Britain, using the MRP method in new constituency boundaries, estimated Keir Starmer’s party could secure a majority of more than 140 seats.

Mr Kellner, who co-founded YouGov, said there were “fundamental flaws” in the data. More comments below:

Caroline Lucas to quit as Green Party MP to focus on climate campaigning

Thursday 8 June 2023 09:45 , Matt Mathers

The Green Party’s only MP Caroline Lucas wil stand down at the next election to focus on fighting “nature and climate emergencies”, she has announced.

Ms Lucas, who had two spells as leader of her party, said her role in Parliament meant she had “struggled to spend the time I want” on the crises facing the environment.

Patrick Daly reports:

Caroline Lucas to quit as MP to focus on climate campaigning

Biden and Sunak to focus on Ukraine and economic security in PM’s first White House visit

Thursday 8 June 2023 09:33 , Matt Mathers

President Joe Biden is welcoming prime minister Rishi Sunak for wide-ranging talks on Thursday as the British leader makes his first White House since taking office.

The leaders’ Oval Office talks are expected to cover the war in Ukraine, China, economic security, international cooperation on regulating the growing field of artificial intelligence, and more.

Biden and Sunak have already had four face-to-face meetings since Sunak became prime minister in October, but the talks in Washington will offer the two leaders a chance for their most sustained interaction to date.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the 15-month-old Russian invasion of Ukraine will be “top of mind.” The US and UK are the two biggest donors to the Ukraine war effort and play a central role in a long-term effort announced last month to train, and eventually equip, Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets.

Aamer Madhani reports:

Biden and Sunak to focus on Ukraine and economic security in British PM's first White House visit

Sunak to wave through Johnson’s controversial honours list

Thursday 8 June 2023 09:30 , Matt Mathers

Rishi Sunak is apparently ready to nod through Boris Johnson’s controversial honours list in a move set to spark at least two by-elections for the Tories.

The former prime minister’s list has already raised eyebrows after he reportedly nominated a series of close political allies, friends and associates – including several Tory MPs and his own father.

But Mr Sunak is poised to approve the list of some 50 names in the coming weeks in a bid to “clear the decks” of another row involving predecessor, according to The Times.

Full report below:

Rishi Sunak ‘to approve Boris Johnson’s honours list’ despite by-election warnings

Boris and Carrie Johnson ‘hosted friend at Chequers to plan festival-themed wedding during Covid restrictions’

Thursday 8 June 2023 09:19 , Matt Mathers

Boris and Carrie Johnson hosted a close friend at Chequers while some coronavirus restrictions were still in place, it has been reported.

The former prime minister and his then-pregnant wife are said to have invited corporate events organiser Dixie Maloney to the Buckinghamshire country mansion on 7 May 2021.

At the time, indoor gatherings between different households were banned except when “reasonably necessary” for reasons such as work or childcare or to provide care or assistance to a vulnerable person, including someone pregnant.

Oliver Pritchard-Jones and Kate Devlin have the full report:

Boris Johnson ‘hosted friend at Chequers to plan wedding during Covid restrictions’

Thursday 8 June 2023 09:17 , Matt Mathers

Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s live politics coverage.

Today we’ll be covering Rishi Sunak’s visit to Washington DC, Boris Johnson’s alleged Covid breach and other stories from Westminster and elsewhere.

Stay tuned for the latest updates.

Johnson coud attempt ‘chicken run’ to a safer seat

07:50 , Matt Mathers

The wording of Boris Johnson’s resignation letter suggests he could attempt a “chicken run” to a safer seat, a political commentator has suggested.

Mr Johnson announced he was quitting last night, sparking a by-election in Uxbridge and South Ruislip.

He holds a majority of 7,210 in the constituency but some analysts say he was at risk of losing at the next general election, partly due to the Partygate scandal.

Nadine Dorries, one of Mr Johnson’s closest allies, also announced her resignation as the MP for Mid Bedfordshire and previous reports have suggested the former PM could run for the constituency.

“I think the fact that in the statement he says he’s very sad to be leaving parliament but then adds, at least for now, clearly opens the possibility of a return, logically to a safer seat,” Katy Balls, political editor of The Spectator Magazine, told BBC Radio 4.

“I think the question is, is it such a fast manoeuver, as to go for Nadine Dorries’s seat…were he to even attempt that, is that the type of thing Rishi Sunak  and CCHQ would allow.”