PM branded ’embarrassment’ – shame it wasn’t HIS #Partygate #questionnaire that was leaked
Boris Johnson: not just humiliated, but a national humiliation.
How disappointing. Like many people (I suspect), I was ready for some real gossip about Boris Johnson when I read the headline
PM branded ’embarrassment’ after leak of partygate investigation questionnaire.
But my hopes have been dashed. It seems it was not Boris Johnson’s own replies to the questionnaire that has been leaked, but a copy of the questionnaire itself, showing the questions alleged Downing Street party attendees have been asked to answer and indicating that it should be treated as an interview under caution:
The documents shared by ITV News appear to show a police caution advising those receiving the documents that they “do not have to say anything but it may harm your defence if you do not mention we questioned something which you later rely on in court”.
Respondents are advised to “ensure the caution is read and understand prior to any answers to questions being provided”.
According to ITV News, the document states that those sent the questionnaire are being provided with the “opportunity to cooperate with police in the form of a written statement under caution”.
We knew that! Nevertheless, Labour’s deputy leader, Angela Rayner, has demanded that Johnson should resign, simply because he has been effectively interviewed under caution:
“It is frankly a national embarrassment that Boris Johnson is now the first Prime Minister in British history to be questioned under police caution.
“How on earth can he stay on and claim to uphold British law and order after this?”
It has also been pointed out that Tony Blair was questioned as a witness by police when he was prime minister, over the cash for honours scandal, but never under caution. At the time, he said he would resign if he were interviewed under caution.
The point is clear: Standards have slipped over the last 20 years or so.
And are Boris Johnson and any of his Tories the people to restore them?
Clearly the answer is: no.
Source: PM branded ’embarrassment’ after leak of partygate investigation questionnaire
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