Politics

Boris Johnson court summons: What did he say in the run-up to EU referendum?


On Wednesday, District Judge Margot Coleman ruled the frontrunner for Tory leadership can be summonsed to court. The bid to prosecute the former foreign secretary was brought by campaigner Marcus Ball in the aftermath of the EU referendum. Mr Ball has raised more than £200,000 through an online crowdfunding campaign for the case.

What did Boris Johnson say?

The alleged misconduct is in regards to comments made by Boris Johnson regarding the amount of money Britain sends to the EU, and claims he misrepresented the amount by using the figure £350m a week.

Mr Ball said previously: “Democracy demands responsible and honest leadership from those in public office.

“The conduct of the proposed defendant Boris Johnson was both irresponsible and dishonest. It was, we say, criminal.”

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He added: “The UK has never sent, given or provided £350 million a week to Europe – that statement is simply not ambiguous.”

Mr Ball, a private prosecutor and speaker denies he is trying to obstruct Brexit.

Mr Johnson, represented by his lawyer Adrian Darbishire in court last week, has denied any wrongdoing.

Mr Darbishire said: “I should make it clear that because of the interest in this case that it is absolutely denied by Mr Johnson that he acted in an improper or dishonest manner at any time.”

Lawyers today lodged an application at Westminster Magistrates Court to summons Mr Johnson as part of a private prosecution.

District Judge Margot Coleman ruled: “The allegations which have been made are unproven accusations and I do not make any findings of fact.

“Having considered all the relevant factors I am satisfied that this is a proper case to issue the summons as requested for the three offences as drafted. The charges are indictable only.

“This means the proposed defendant will be required to attend this court for a preliminary hearing, and the case will then be sent to the Crown Court for trial. The charges can only be dealt with in the Crown Court.”

Mr Ball’s legal team said in a statement ahead of the hearing: “The court has determined that a public hearing will take place on Thursday 23 May at this court at which the judge will consider the application to issue a summons against the proposed defendant, Mr Boris Johnson MP, for the alleged offence of misconduct in public office.

“We wish to stress again that Mr Johnson has not been charged with any criminal offence and is at all times presumed innocent until proven otherwise.

“We would respectfully ask all those reporting and supporting the case to respect the formality of the court.”

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