Sir Keir Starmer appeals for Boris Johnson to face Partygate inquiry

Labour leader urges Conservatives to vote for investigation over whether prime minister misled the House of Commons

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson apologises to MPs at the House of Commons in London, having been fined after a police probe for attending a party during coronavirus lockdowns imposed by his own government. AFP

The prime minister was no more than 30 seconds into his speech when the first shout of 'resign' was heard from the opposition benches, followed by 'you’re an embarrassment' and 'just go'. Reuters

'I take this opportunity on the first available sitting day to repeat my wholehearted apology to the House,' he said, admitting that 'people had a right to expect better of their prime minister'. AFP

Members of the media gather on Downing Street after police in London issued 50 fines in relation to parties and gatherings held at government buildings during Covid lockdowns. Getty Images

The prime minister, pictured with a birthday cake baked for him by school staff at Bovingdon Primary Academy in Hemel Hempstead, said it ‘didn't occur’ to him that a gathering on June 19, 2020 to mark his 56th birthday broke coronavirus rules. AFP

Chancellor Rishi Sunak (L) was also fined for attending lockdown parties held in and around Downing Street. AFP

Mr Johnson is the first sitting prime minister to be censured for breaking the law, sparking calls from all sides of Parliament, including some in his own party, to step down. Reuters

A lone protester demonstrates outside No 10 Downing Street in London. EPA

Before the war broke out in Ukraine, Mr Johnson appeared vulnerable to the partygate controversy. He has been praised for his response to the conflict, which may offer him some protection from critics, and he visited Kyiv last weekend in what he called a show of support for the country. AFP

Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie applaud for key health workers outside No 10 Downing Street in May 2020. Getty Images

Boris Johnson makes a statement in the House of Commons in January, on Sue Gray's report regarding the alleged Downing Street parties during lockdown. Reuters

A journalist highlights sections of the report by civil servant Sue Gray into parties held at Downing Street. AFP

Mr Johnson is understood to have been present at six of at least 12 events being investigated. One occurred on the eve of Prince Philip’s funeral, at which Queen Elizabeth II had to grieve away from other mourners because of social distancing protocols. Getty Images

Britain’s opposition leader has appealed to Conservative MPs to put Boris Johnson before an inquiry over his Partygate conduct and “restore decency”.

Sir Keir Starmer attempted to persuade Tory defectors to vote for a parliamentary investigation into whether the prime minister misled the House of Commons when he denied knowledge of lockdown parties in Downing Street.

A motion will be debated on Thursday in which the opposition hopes there will be enough rebels to pass a vote for the Privileges Committee to investigate whether the prime minister’s comments amounted “to a contempt of the House”.

Mr Johnson told MPs in December that he was unaware of parties being held in Downing Street, events that were banned under coronavirus lockdown rules. But after his fine by police for breaching the rules over his birthday party held in the Cabinet Room in June 2020, the prime minister is facing another severe examination of his leadership.

“Tomorrow’s vote is an important step to restoring decency, honesty and integrity into our politics,” a statement from Mr Starmer said.

He urged Conservative MPs “to do the right thing”, otherwise they would damage their own reputation by showing “it was one rule for the public and another for this government”.

The Labour leader had attempted to put pile more pressure on his Conservative rival during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday. Mr Johnson gave a combative display, contrasting with the contrition shown on Tuesday evening with his “wholehearted apology” for Partygate.

Given that a number of officials and a government minister had resigned over lockdown breaches, Mr Starmer asked if “everybody else's actions have consequences except his own”.

Mr Johnson struck back, suggesting Mr Starmer was stuck in a “Doctor Who time warp” because “we had this conversation yesterday”.

Mr Johnson repeated that he “bitterly regrets” his actions for which he had apologised but insisted it was time for the government “get on” with addressing issues such as the energy crisis and the war in Ukraine.

But a hint that Mr Johnson is concerned he might be fined for other parties – he is potentially under investigation for six – came after an opposition MP asked if he would support a bill to ban politicians from lying.

“It is well known that the rules demand that we tell the truth in this House and that's what we all try to do,” he responded.

Mr Johnson also strongly denied criticising the BBC over its Ukraine coverage but did fail to reject allegations that he had accused the Church of England of being more outspoken over the Rwanda deportation plan that it had been towards Russia.

The prime minister will be absent from Thursday's vote as he is flying to India for a tour that includes a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.