Boris Johnson makes surprise visit to 'party bash' with Rotherham Conservative members

FORMER prime minister Boris Johnson was all smiles at a Conservative party function just days after a grilling by MPs investigating him over “Partygate shenanigans”.  

The under-fire former PM was met by Rotherham Tory councillors including Simon Ball, Adam Tinsley, Simon Burnett and Lewis Mills at Bassetlaw MP Brendan Clarke-Smith’s “King of the Red Wall” two-course dinner event on Friday (March 24).

Mr Johnson appeared in jolly spirits at the event despite having provided testimony on Wednesday (March 22) in response to alleged breaches of lockdown rules in Downing Street at a parliamentary privileges committee.

He was photographed and recorded drinking alcohol at parties inside Number 10 during pandemic lockdowns but he has denied any wrongdoing — despite claims being brought forward by the committee that he misled parliament about breaches of lockdown rules.

In his defence, Mr Johnson said the parties were “right and proper” and a way to thank staff for their hard work.

He added what he told Parliament in December 2021 regarding the breaches had been said in “good faith”.

Mr Clarke-Smith, defending his former boss after the committee hearing, described Mr Johnson’s performance as “superb and highly robust”, adding: “I’m confident that following this he will be exonerated and we can put an end to the media and opposition witch-hunt.”