Facts

Oliver Dowden, then the Conservative Party chairman, was asked on Sky News whether Boris Johnson misled Parliament over Partygate. In response, Dowden claimed that he ‘doesn’t believe’ Johnson ‘misled Parliament’ over Partygate. 

Johnson’s statements to the Commons on the 1st and 8th of December that guidance was followed were wrong. Police issued 126 penalty notices, including one addressed to the Prime Minister, proving that Covid guidelines were breached. In stating that guidance was followed, Johnson was misleading the House.

The investigation into Johnson by the Privileges Committee is not intended to prove whether Boris misled the House – as this is established fact – but rather if he misled the house knowingly. 

Verdict

There is no doubt that Johnson misled the House over parties at Downing Street. The only remaining question is whether he did so knowingly or not. Any claim that the Prime Minister did not mislead the House is false. Dowden was certainly wise to confine himself to saying he didn’t “believe” that Johnson misled Parliament. 

We emailed Oliver Dowden’s office offering him the chance to respond. The email was received, but no reply.