Tory MPs in Crossfire

Nadine Dorries, a loyalist to Boris Johnson, cautions Conservative MPs about the potential threat to their parliamentary positions if they endorse a critical report that accuses Johnson of intentionally deceiving parliament regarding Partygate.

A small group of Johnson allies plan to vote against the report, calling it vindictive. They warn of consequences for supporters and dismiss Dorries' remarks as unfounded. Sunak's allies urge resilience for the crucial free vote on Monday.

A damning report found Boris Johnson repeatedly lied about Covid-era parties. It suggested a 90-day suspension and revoking his parliamentary pass if he stayed as an MP. In response, Tory MP Brendan Clarke-Smith called the findings "appalling" and vowed to challenge them in the House on Monday.

Nadine Dorries criticized the report, accusing the committee chair, Harriet Harman, of bias and overreach. She warned that Conservative MPs supporting the report would contradict party values and face consequences from party members and the public. Johnson allies, including Simon Clarke MP and Sir James Duddridge, expressed surprise at the report's harsh penalties and pledged to vote against it.

Jacob Rees-Mogg, a knighted ally of Boris Johnson, dismissed flawed findings against his former boss. Sir David Campbell Bannerman, another Johnson supporter, criticized Tory MPs endorsing the report, calling it undemocratic and proposing deselection. He urged Johnson to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights, comparing the report to a Stalinist show trial.

Amid deselection fears, a senior Tory criticizes Nadine Dorries as "unbalanced" and accused her of betraying supporters. Another Tory leader urges colleagues to vote independently, disregarding pressure from Boris Johnson's allies.

Tory MPs are set to vote on a report on June 19, coinciding with Boris Johnson's 59th birthday. Some MPs may abstain to avoid upsetting their constituents, while others support the process. Concerns over the recommended 90-day suspension may lead to more abstentions.

Commons leader Penny Mordaunt stated that the committee's findings will be discussed on Monday prior to a free vote. Recognizing the challenges in decision-making, she encouraged MPs to review the report before voting, stressing the importance of personal choices and respecting others.