London

Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has stepped down as a Tory MP after claiming that he was "forced out of Parliament" over Partygate.

The former Prime Minister saw in advance a report by the Commons Privileges Committee investigating if he misled the Commons over Downing Street lockdown parties.

Johnson said that he was "bewildered and appalled" after receiving a letter from the from a House of Commons committee.

His resignation now triggers a by-election in his marginal seat.

The Privileges Committee said that Johnson had called into question the integrity of the House of Commons.

The MP-led committee - which has a majority of Conservative MPs - said it would conclude its inquiry on Monday and "publish its report promptly".

In his resignation statement issued on Friday, Johnson described the committee as a "kangaroo court" whose purpose "from the beginning has been to find me guilty, regardless of the facts".

Johnson previously admitted misleading Parliament when he gave evidence to the committee in a combative hearing in March - but denied doing it on purpose.

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He said that social distancing had not been "perfect" at gatherings in Downing Street during Covid lockdowns but insisted the guidelines, as he understood them, were followed at all times.