Commons panel which investigated Boris Johnson in free speech row after attacking critical MPs

SENIOR MPs who investigated Boris Johnson over Partygate have been dragged into a damning free speech row.

Close allies of the ex-PM have been accused of putting “improper pressure” on the committee who probed whether he lied to the Commons.

Nadine Dorries, Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg and Priti Patel were all singled out by the seven-strong panel in a follow-up report out today.

They had dismissed the probe – led by Labour MP Harriett Harman – as a “kangaroo court” stacked against the former PM.

The Privileges Committee said that the MPs “who took it upon themselves to undermine procedures of the House of Commons” by hitting out at their investigation.

And they now face sanction themselves for launching attacks on the Committee.

But the BoJo defenders this morning hit back and essentially accused the committee of trying to gag critics.

Tory Brendan Clarke-Smith – one of the MPs named – said the row raised “serious questions about free speech”.

He said: “Members of Parliament fulfil an important role in society and it is absolutely vital that they are able to scrutinise and comment on any matters relating to their work.

“Having fully respected the processes before me and at no point referring to the committee whilst preparing their previous work.

“I am shocked and disappointed to be named in this new report. This raises serious questions about free speech in a democratic society and my colleagues and I will continue to defend these principles going forward.”

Michael Fabricant said he stood by his words, adding: “Respect for the Committee needs to be earned.”

And fellow Conservative Mark Jenkinson called the fresh report “another perfect example of gross overreach”.

In their initial report published this month, the Privileges Committee found Mr Johnson had knowingly misled the Commons when he assured no parties were held in No10 during lockdown.

The ex-PM was stripped of his parliamentary pass and would have been suspended for 90 days had he not earlier resigned as an MP.