Boris Johnson can get angry over Partygate – but he will get no special treatment

Editorial: Loyalists to the ex-PM have made disgraceful attacks on the long-established and balanced procedure to deal with serious allegations against members of the House

The former prime minister Boris Johnson leaves his home in London on Tuesday (PA)

There are two sides, at least, to any story.

As such, it is right and proper for Boris Johnson to publish his defence to the allegations that he lied to parliament. When he appears before the House of Commons committee of privileges to offer his testimony and answer questions, he will have around four hours to account for his actions and explain how he came to mislead parliament; something he now admits to.

That should be ample time for him to make his case. With some £220,000 of taxpayers’ money spent on helping him prepare for the hearing, and the assistance of the distinguished barrister Lord Pannick who will be by his side, Mr Johnson cannot plausibly claim that he’s been treated unfairly.