Boris Johnson will face a vote in the House of Commons this week on whether he intentionally misled Parliament over Partygate, it has been decided.
The Speaker of the House, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, this afternoon approved a motion by Labour to hold a vote on the matter.
This means that MPs will hold a debate on Thursday and be given the opportunity to vote on whether the Prime Minister misled them when he said in December that all Covid rules had been followed.
The speaker told MPs: “It is not for me to police the ministerial code, I have no jurisdiction over the ministerial code even though a lot of people seem to think I have. It is not the case.
07/05/2020. London, United Kingdom. Prime Minister Boris Johnson joins the country in the 'Clap for our Carers' to show appreciation for the NHS and Key Workers, outside 10 Downing Street. / Picture by Pippa Fowles / No 10 Downing Street.
“Secondly, it is not for me to determine whether or not the Prime Minister has committed a contempt. My role is to decide whether there is an arguable case to be examined.
“Having considered the issue, having taken advice from the clerks of the House, I’ve decided that this is a matter that I should allow the precedence accorded to the issue of privilege.
“Therefore, (Sir Keir Starmer) may table a motion for debate on Thursday.”
The decision was announced shortly before the Prime Minister made a statement in which he is expected to apologise for his actions and state he has no intention of resigning.
The ministerial code states that if a minister intentionally misleads the house they must resign.
If the vote is successful, the case will be referred to the Parliamentary Privilege Committee, who could find him in contempt.
The Prime Minister has been accused of lying about breaking rules after he was fined by the Metropolitan Police for attending a birthday party that was against his own Covid safety restrictions.
Fines were also given out to his wife and the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, and reports published in The Times over the weekend suggest more are still to come.
It is unlikely that the vote will go in Labour's favour, given the Conservatives huge majority in the House of Commons, however, it's hoped the motion will apply pressure on those Tories who initially spoke out in January to publicly back that position for their constituents.
Last week, journalists at both The Guardian and The Daily Mail reported there had been 'much talk' in Westminster of the Chancellor resigning after he was fined by police - but that he had been talked out of it as it would have put pressure on the PM to do the same.
Lord Peter Hennessy, a historian, cross bench peer and expert on the history of government has been widely quoted after claiming the Prime Mister has 'shredded' the ministerial code through his actions.
He told BBC Radio 4’s Broadcasting House: “The Queen’s first minister is now beyond doubt a rogue prime minister, unworthy of her, her parliament, her people, and her kingdom.
“I cannot remember a day when I’ve been more fearful for the wellbeing of the constitution,”
Standing up in the House of Lords last week, he added: “The prime minister sealed his place in British history as the first law-breaker to have occupied the premiership – an office he has sullied like no other, turning it into an adventure playground for one man’s narcissistic vanity.
Image: Flickr
“Boris Johnson has broken the law, misled parliament, and has, in effect, shredded the ministerial code, which is a crucial part of the spinal cord of the constitution.”
A Labour source said: “Any Conservative MP considering voting to block this investigation would be voting for a cover up. They should reflect on the mess they got themselves into over Owen Paterson before falling into line.”
Lib Dem leader Ed Davey said: “The British public have declared Boris Johnson a liar. Now it’s time for Parliament to do the same.
“The country cannot afford a Prime Minister who breaks the law and lies about it, especially when families are facing a cost-of-living crisis.
“Johnson has taken the British people for fools for far too long, and it’s time for Conservative MPs to show where they stand. They must do their patriotic duty and kick Boris Johnson out of Downing Street once and for all.”
Get ready for an array of Christmas celebrations for all the family at Gulliver's Valley Theme Park Resort Rotherham.
The most wonderful time of the year is on its way, and if you're looking to really get in the spirit with the whole family then we've got just the thing for you.
Starting from Saturday 14 November, guests can embark on a magical trip through the winter wonderland to visit Santa where all children will receive a free present as well enjoy plenty of festive activities.
These include the one and only Santa's enchanted elevator, an enchanted virtual flight straight to the North Pole taking guests through snowy skies before landing right at Santa's Grotto.
Image: Supplied
Not only that, but families can also visit the beautiful Land of Lights which will be returning to Gulliver's Valley from Sunday 8 November.
Featuring a one-mile route, the Land of Lights includes beautiful illuminated trails and magnificent lantern displays for the whole family to 'oooh' and 'aaah' at.
Gulliver's Valley in Rotherham will be offering a variety of Christmas packages, so you can get the best experience for you.
Image: Supplied
Phil Bracegirdle, resort manager at Gulliver’s Valley, said: “We’re not sure where this year has gone to, it has zipped by so quickly - and we’re now all set for Christmas, the most magical time of the year! All our family favourite packages are there to guarantee a wonderful festive time for everyone. We are thrilled to have the Land of Lights back at the park for the second year running - it was so popular with families, who were dazzled by the incredible displays.
“You can buy standalone tickets for Land of Lights or our Twinkle package includes Christmas activities alongside a visit to the dazzling lantern festival.”
Image: Supplied
The peak-time packages start at just £27 per person with the ‘Smasher’, which includes selected outdoor Christmas rides and attractions, indoor attractions, a visit to the Dragon’s Lair, and the chance to explore Santa’s house and meet him in his grotto, where children can choose a gift from the Elf Workshop.
Guests can enjoy a ‘Festive Breakfast’ package for £33 per person, which includes everything featured in the ‘Smasher’, along with the chance to see Gully’s Christmas Show, alongside a breakfast to keep you fuelled for the day.
Image: Supplied
The ‘Cracker’ package, at £34 per person, features everything in the ‘Festive Breakfast’ but comes with dinner rather than breakfast and the ‘Twinkle’ package, at £39 per person, includes entry to the magical Land of Lights Lantern Festival.
And it doesn't stop there, there are also two off-peak packages – ‘Tinsel Tots’ at £15 per person and ‘Dancer’ at £19 per person.
All packages include a trip on Santa’s Enchanted Elevator.
Image: Supplied
Seen as though it is Christmas, why not add an overnight stay to your trip in the fantastic range of accommodation on offer, which includes Western and Woodland Lodges, Princess and JCB Suites, and Dinosaur and Unicorn-themed Lodges.
The best part? The park’s is offering a special Christmas 2026 sale of 25% discount on the Smasher, Cracker and Festive Breakfast packages for day visits on 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 28th 29th November and 21st December.
To find out more about these deals and to book your tickets, visit Gulliver's Valley Resort's website here.
Brand-new ‘party pub’ to take over the old Revolution site on Call Lane after £600,000 investment
Clementine Hall
We hope you're ready to party Leeds, because a 'party pub' experience is coming to Call Lane.
Following a whopping £600,000 investment, Bonnie Rogues is preparing to open in the former Revolution site in Leeds city centre that will close this month.
After a major refurbishment, Leeds’ first Bonnie Rogues venue and the sixth site for the fast- growing UK brand will open in November 2026.
Designed as an all-day-to-night social destination, Bonnie Rogues combines live music, live sport, and late-night celebrations in one immersive venue.
From big nights out to spontaneous after-work drinks and even Sunday Roasts, Bonnie Rogues aims to offer something completely different from the traditional pub experience.
Expect live performances, crowd-involved entertainment and interactive moments in an atmosphere that flows seamlessly from day to night.
Russell Quelch, CEO of NEOS Hospitality, said, “Leeds has such a strong social scene and a real appetite for experience-led venues, so we think Bonnie Rogues will fit perfectly into the city.
"It’s a concept that brings together everything people love about going out - live music, sport, food, entertainment and great atmosphere, all in one place. We’re excited to bring something new to Leeds and can’t wait to welcome guests later this year.”
The Leeds opening forms part of a wider rollout of Bonnie Rogues venues across the UK, as NEOS Hospitality continues to expand its portfolio following its acquisition of multiple Revolution and Revolución de Cuba sites earlier this year.
We'll keep you updated with opening dates as and when we know more.
Georgina Pellant -
19th April 2022 
