Johnson fends off court case over Brexit campaign bus claim

World
Europe

Judges at London's High Court on Friday threw out an attempt to prosecute Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to succeed Theresa May as prime minister, for allegedly lying about the financial benefits of Brexit during the 2016 EU referendum campaign.

Last week, a magistrate agreed to issue summonses for Johnson to face charges of misconduct in public office over a claim emblazoned on his bright red "Leave" campaign bus that Britain would be 350 million pounds (446 million U.S. dollars) a week better off outside the EU.

Opponents had argued that the slogan was deliberately misleading and it became symbolic of the divisions caused by the referendum, which saw Britons vote 52-48 percent to leave the European Union.

Former British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson leaves his home in London, UK, June 5, 2019. /Reuters Photo

Marcus Ball, 29, who described himself as a social enterprise founder, brought the private prosecution against Johnson in February which led to last week's decision.

But at a judicial review hearing on Friday at the High Court, Johnson's lawyer Adrian Darbishire said the magistrate had either erred in law or provided the wrong legal test in allowing the case to go ahead.

Darbishire said the only rational conclusion was that the case was politically motivated and therefore without merit.

Marcus Ball speaks to the media outside the Royal Courts of Justice after losing a case against Former British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, in London, UK, June 7, 2019. /Reuters Photo

The High Court judges agreed the summonses should be quashed, saying they would give their reasons at a later date.

The flamboyant Johnson, who did not attend Friday's hearing, is the favorite among Conservative lawmakers hoping to replace May as party leader and therefore prime minister.

The case could potentially have damaged his bid to replace May, who stepped down as Conservative leader on Friday, although she will remain prime minister until a successor is selected.

(Cover: Boris Johnson's "Leave" campaign bus arrives at Chester-Le-Street Cricket Club in Chester le Street, UK, May 30, 2016. /VCG Photo)

8150km

Source(s): Reuters