London, May 29
Boris Johnson, the favourite to replace Theresa May as British Prime Minister, faces a trial over allegations he lied to the public about Brexit, a judge ruled on Wednesday.The judge at London’s Westminster Magistrates’ Court ruled that Johnson, the former foreign secretary, must answer a private summons alleging he had committed three offences of misconduct in a public office.These relate to claims that Johnson made in the run-up to and aftermath of the 2016 European Union referendum when he was one of the leading campaigners for Britain to leave the bloc.Britons voted by 52-48% to leave.
“During both time periods outlined above, the (proposed) defendant repeatedly lied and misled the British public as to the cost of EU membership, expressly stating, endorsing or inferring that the cost of EU membership was 350 million pounds ($442 million) per week,” the application against Johnson says.In her written ruling, District Judge Margot Coleman said the allegations were not proven and she had made not finding of fact, but said Johnson should face trial.
“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,” Coleman said.
“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.” Johnson’s spokesman was not immediately available for comment.
