BoJo to reveal ‘defense file’ tomorrow ahead of partygate confrontation

BORIS Johnson will release his defense file tomorrow ahead of his partygate probe confrontation.

Allies of the former Prime Minister insist the bombshell documents will prove him right – and prove he has not knowingly misled MPs about the lockdown meetings in the heart of government.

Boris Johnson will testify for the partygate probe on Wednesday

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Boris Johnson will testify for the partygate probe on WednesdayCredit: Dan Charity

It came when one of his closest colleagues warned of a McCarthy-style “witch hunt” against him, led by enemies determined to take him down for good.

The powerful privileges committee will publish the former prime minister’s legal advice on Monday and line by line today ahead of Wednesday’s marathon TV grill for MPs.

BoJo is expected to dismiss the advice he received from his top team and will claim he relied on officials in No10 to defend himself against a barrage of attacks.

A spokesman for the former prime minister said: “The privileges committee will justify Boris Johnson’s position.

“The evidence will show that Boris Johnson did not knowingly mislead parliament.”

Meanwhile, Tory colleague Lord Greenhalgh – who is close to BoJo – said the powerful privileges investigation “should not go through” if there is no “fairness”.

It came after allies said his whims were a “show trial … that would make Stalin ashamed”.

He told Times Radio: “I’m afraid it’s going to be a witch hunt […] I’m afraid we’re getting a McCarthyist approach to justice in the Privileges Committee.

“I certainly hope that parliament goes through the process and that the former prime minister is heard fairly and justly. We want justice done quickly. .

“Prove [he was] knowingly misleading parliament – that’s going to be hard for this, folks.”

Earlier this month, an initial update from the committee said Mr Johnson may have misled Parliament on several occasions – something he denies.

During the marathon session – which can last up to five hours – a group of MPs will question him about what he knew and when.

The former Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak and dozens more were fined for lockdown rallies in Downing Street during the lockdown.

If BoJo is found guilty of misleading parliament, he could be suspended from the House of Commons. or even facing a recall petition in his Uxbridge seat.

Former chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng suggested that the “immensely intelligent, sensitive, brilliant” Johnson could still make a political comeback and return to lead the party.

He told GB News “he’s been written off so many times” but “he’s someone I would never rule out or count”.

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Yesterday, Cabinet Minister Oliver Dowden confirmed that MPs would be free to vote on the issue as it concerns them.

He told the BBC that Mr Johnson “will vigorously defend his conduct” and urged Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to “respect” his predecessor.