The former prime minister - who this morning appeared to be heading off for a weekend break with his family -told a hearing of the privileges committee yesterday that his statements to the Commons on lockdown breaches at No 10 were made "in good faith".
He is battling to avoid being found in contempt of Parliament - a verdict which could lead to a 10-day suspension and open the way for a by-election in his London constituency.
But Mr Johnson has indicated that he could refuse to accept the committee's verdict if it finds that he "intentionally" or "recklessly" misled the Commons, saying he would "wait to see".
Some of his allies have attacked the committee process and suggested that its chair, the veteran Labour MP Harriet Harman, could be biased.
Former justice secretary Sir Robert Buckland, a Tory, today defended the integrity of the committee and insisted that Rishi Sunak should not be distracted by the latest storm over Mr Johnson's conduct.
Sir Robert told Sky News: "I think the Government, the Prime Minister, need to focus rigorously on cost of living issues, inflation, big concerns at the moment about interest rates.
Denne historien er fra March 23, 2023-utgaven av Evening Standard.
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Denne historien er fra March 23, 2023-utgaven av Evening Standard.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Why are England wasting time waiting for Tuchel?
Winning the World Cup is the aim, so the new boss should start now
He's been shot, and punched by Mike Tyson, but British boxing's great survivor is back on top and aiming to rule the world
This is where the magic happens,\" reads a big neon sign scrawled across the entrance to the offices of arguably the most powerful man in British boxing today.
How Sketch went from 'obscene' to era-defining
After arocky start, the glamorous and infamous restaurant is now an institution
Money is worth less than time'
He's quit Fendi, but what will Kim Jones do next?
London's Roman Amphitheatre
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Liberals didn't notice they'd lost relevance in the all-consuming digital sphere
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One neuroscientist thinks the answer is no
How to have a magical Christmas in Edinburgh
From cosy cobblestone streets to abundant Yuletide goings-on, few cities rival the Scottish capital in creating Christmas whimsy.
London's best festive restaurants
The social season is upon us once more. These are the city’s most coveted Christmas venues, which need to be booked soon so as to not miss out on the tinsel and tipples.
Rag'n'Bone Man
I struggle with being recognised... I'll never really feel comfortable with it'
