Former Prime Minister Denounces Investigation as a “Witch-Hunt” and Warns of Anti-Democratic Forces, But Hints at Potential Return to Politics

Boris Johnson has resigned as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Uxbridge and South Ruislip with immediate effect, following the release of a report from the privileges committee that found he had misled Parliament over the Partygate scandal. The committee recommended a lengthy suspension, which prompted the former prime minister to step down in protest.

In a fiery resignation statement, Johnson accused the investigation of being politically motivated, claiming it was part of a “witch-hunt” orchestrated by those seeking revenge for Brexit and aiming to reverse the 2016 referendum result. He also lambasted Rishi Sunak’s government, blaming the current prime minister for rising taxes and failing to capitalize on Brexit.

Johnson’s departure comes less than four years after he led the Conservative Party to a landslide victory, securing an 80-seat majority, and just nine months after stepping down as prime minister following a police fine for breaching his own Covid-19 restrictions.

The privileges committee’s findings, which were presented to Johnson earlier this week, triggered his resignation. He accused the committee of bias, specifically targeting him with the aim of finding him guilty, regardless of the evidence. “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 [Labour MP] Harriet Harman,” Johnson stated, calling the process a “kangaroo court.”

His resignation will lead to a byelection in his constituency, Uxbridge and South Ruislip, and marks the second resignation of the day for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Nadine Dorries also stepped down as MP for Mid Bedfordshire after her proposed peerage was blocked. Labour sources believe both seats are winnable, potentially signalling a shift in the political landscape.

Despite his resignation, Johnson hinted at the possibility of returning to politics in the future, stating that he was “very sad” to be leaving Parliament, “at least for now.” His departure marks the latest dramatic twist in the former prime minister’s tumultuous political career.