The woes and humiliation are not over for resigned Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK) Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson, as he faces the embarrassment of fighting an autumn by-election to save his political career if he is found to have misled the House of Commons and is banned for 10 days. Photo: PA Media

If Boris Johnson is found to have been in contempt of parliament, and the committee punishes him with a suspension from the House of Commons, that could trigger the Recall Act. Photo: Reuters

Despite having resigned as Conservative leader, Johnson still faces a parliamentary probe over whether he misled Members of Parliament (MPs) when he told them repeatedly that “all guidance was followed” in Downing Street during the pandemic – something subsequently proved to be untrue.

The committee, which will start taking oral evidence in the autumn, including from the prime minister, published a report on Thursday, July 21, 2022, setting out how it will carry out its inquiry – including the fact that, as previously reported, witnesses will be questioned under oath.

More embarrassment on the horizon

The committee has obtained a ruling from the Speaker, Lindsay H. Hoyle, confirming that if Johnson is found to have been in contempt of parliament, and the committee punishes him with a suspension from the House of Commons, that could trigger the Recall Act.

This legislation means MPs suspended from parliament for 10 days or more – or sentenced to imprisonment – can face a by-election if 10% of voters in their constituency sign a petition demanding one.

MPs would have to vote to confirm the suspension, but Johnson could face a humiliating petition, and if local Conservatives allowed him to stand again, the prospect of losing his seat.