Top MPs will take several weeks to decide Boris Johnson’s fate after Partygate hearing

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A video grab from footage broadcast by the UK Parliament's Parliamentary Recording Unit (PRU) shows former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson making his opening statement as he attends a Parliamentary Privileges Committee hearing, in central London on March 22, 2023. - Britain's Parliament on Wednesday opened an inquisition of former prime minister Boris Johnson about "Partygate" that could decide his political future. (Photo by PRU / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - NO USE FOR ENTERTAINMENT, SATIRICAL, ADVERTISING PURPOSES - MANDATORY CREDIT " AFP PHOTO / PRU " (Photo by -/PRU/AFP via Getty Images)

TOP MPs on the privileges committee will take several weeks now to consider Boris Johnson’s evidence.

They could call more people to give oral evidence if they want specific questions answered – but most have already dished over written material.

Top MPs will take several weeks to decide Boris Johnson’s fate after his Partygate hearing

The MPs will then come to their own conclusion about whether the ex-PM deliberately misled Parliament – though only a majority is needed for it to pass.

If they find him guilty, they will recommend to MPs a suitable punishment, which is likely to mean being suspended from the House of Commons for a number of days.

Rishi Sunak has said he will give MPs a free vote on that when it happens, so they can make up their own minds about his fate.

If the PM is suspended by more than 10 sitting days, locals in his Uxbridge constituency can start a recall petition to try and boot him out of the seat – though this is rare.

If he is able to clear his name, BoJo’s supporters may try and use it as an excuse to reinstate him again as Tory leader – if Mr Sunak continues to languish behind in the polls.