MPs feel they have to assert their authority after his insults, but going after his friends risks looking petty and partisan
The House of Commons privileges committee is besotted with Boris Johnson. No sooner did we breathe sighs of relief as he disappeared over the horizon three weeks ago, than the committee has hauled him back for another thrashing in the headlines.
This time it is aiming at his “friends and allies”, who called it a kangaroo court and a witch-hunt. These friends stand accused for their vociferous and unprecedented remarks, offending, harassing, belittling and showering the committee with contempt. It has duly “named” them, though to what end is unclear.
Simon Jenkins is a Guardian columnist
