BORIS Johnson has been told to hand over piles of evidence as MPs probe whether or not he lied to Parliament about the partygate scandal.
The Privileges Committee investigating his conduct has asked for every photo taken at a partygate event including those by the prime minister’s official photographer, any and all resignation letters from No 10 staff, and all legal advice Johnson was offered amid the scandal.
Downing Street entry logs and prime ministerial diaries for certain dates have also been requested by MPs.
Simon Case (below), the highest ranking civil servant in the UK, has also been asked to provide any documents or evidence in his possession with a deadline of August 15.
The request comes from Harriet Harman, a Labour MP and former minister who is chairing the Privileges Committee while it probes Johnson’s behaviour.
The Tory leader clung to power despite becoming the first sitting prime minister in history to be punished for breaking the law amid news of a culture of partying and lockdown breaking on Downing Street.
A police investigation closed after having issued fines for 126 breaches of Covid laws at the very top of government. A former staffer told ITV on Thursday that there were "way more" parties in No 10 than has been reported in the press.
Labour leader Keir Starmer tabled a motion in parliament calling for the Privileges Committee to probe whether or not Johnson had misled MPs over the scandal.
After initially aiming to block the investigation, the Tory leader was forced to back down amid suggestions he would face a backbench rebellion.
As part of the investigation which began in late June, the committee will hear evidence from witnesses as well as summon photos, emails and other documents.
A total of 16 events are on the timeline being probed, spanning dates from May 2020 to April 2021. Twelve batches of evidence, spanning WhatsApps, emails, deleted documents, photos, notes, and briefing packs, have been requested.
Two key events in the timeline under investigation happened on November 13, 2020. At the time, there were rules in place barring indoor gatherings of two or more people with an exemption for work meetings only if “absolutely necessary”.
Johnson was photographed raising a glass of wine in front of a group of people on that date, and reports circulated of a separate gathering held later at which Abba music was loudly played.
Johnson previously told parliament that the “guidance was followed and the rules were followed at all times”.
The Privileges Committee can recommend a sanction if it concludes Johnson misled parliament – including suspension or expulsion as an MP. However, whatever sanction is recommended would need the approval of the Commons.
