Waveney MP speaks out on Boris Johnson's 'partygate' reaction

The report by the seven-member privileges committee followed a year-long investigation and runs to 106 pages and more than 30,000 words.

The former prime minister stood down as an MP last week after receiving an advance copy, angrily accusing the committee of bias.

Mr Johnson accused the committee of mounting a "witch hunt" against him, determined to "drive me out of Parliament".

Mr Aldous said Mr Johnson's behaviour in the wake of the decision was "abhorrent and unacceptable".

He said: "After Mr Johnson was shown a draft copy of the report last Friday, on a confidential basis, he has subsequently besmirched members of the committee and which has unleashed personal abuse against them which is abhorrent and unacceptable.

"I have read the report, and from my perspective, it is a fair and comprehensive report.

"The findings of the report are what I would describe as damning and unprecedented."

Mr Johnson left the job of prime minister in 2022, following a mass revolt by ministers over his leadership, sparked by scandals including Partygate. (Image: Newsquest)

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Boris Johnson visits the EDP office on 26.11.19, interviewed with the now editor, Richard Porritt (Image: Newsquest)

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Mr Aldous has said that if a vote on the verdict is called he will support the decision made.

He said: “I think with a heavy heart of there is a division or vote on Monday I will be voting to accept the recommendations of the report.

"I think the committee have done their job in a professional way in accordance with the parliamentary precedent."

Boris Johnson visits the Same Cole Food Group in Lowestoft during a visit to the town during the Vote Leave campaign (Image: Newsquest)

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Peter Aldous believes the report was conducted by the committee in a professional way in accordance with parliamentary precedent (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Aldous said the vaccine rollout and standing up against Russian aggression were highlights of Mr Johnson's tenure as prime minister, but that had now been "undermined".

He said: "Mr Johnson is a politician and individual with great talents and he had a very difficult task as a prime misnomer with the unprecedented covid and the Ukraine war.

"As far as the vaccine rollout and his defiance against Russia with uniting the west, he did well.

"But he has undermined that work with party gate and the disdain he has caused in his vile acceptance of the committee verdict."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson pictured reading a statement outside 10 Downing Street, London, formally resigning as Conservative Party leader after ministers and MPs made clear his position untenable (Image: PA)

MP Peter Aldous said he would vote to support the committee's decision (Image: Newsquest)