The investigation into whether Boris Johnson deliberately misled parliament over the partygate scandal has begun with a call for evidence – and individuals will be allowed to contribute to the inquiry anonymously.

Labour veteran Harriet Harman, currently the longest-serving female MP, will chair the probe which will be conducted by the Commons Privileges Committee.

Sir Ernest Ryder, a former Lord Justice of Appeal and Senior President of Tribunals, has also been appointed as an adviser.

Members of the committee met for the first time on Wednesday morning.

A statement from the committee said it is “calling for evidence submissions and accounts from those with knowledge of events related to the inquiry”.

It continues: “Specifically, the committee is seeking witness information and evidence which would enable it to determine whether or not the Right Honourable Member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip misled the House.”

The inquiry will consider evidence related to:

• Mr Johnson’s knowledge of the activities in 10 Downing Street and the Cabinet Office under COVID regulations, from the occurrence of those events until now
• Any briefing given to, or inquiries made by, Mr Johnson relating to those events.

The deadline for submitting evidence is 29 July.

Oral evidence sessions are expected to begin in the autumn.

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