Partygate report; how much is Boris Johnson’s ex-PM allowance, as calls grow for Rishi Sunak to cut it

The fallout from the publication of the Partygate report continues this morning and is set to dominate the UK political landscape for the next week at least, as Boris Johnson has been found to have deliberately misled the Privileges Committee, the House of Commons and the general public about his numerous COVID-19 lockdown indiscretions.

The report, published at 9am this morning, confirmed that there were 16 different gatherings, which included the well publicised gatherings at Chequers and a culture of intimidation and bullying, drawing ire also towards Johnson’s resignation honours list - a list, many now contend, looking to reward cronyism in the light of the allegations Johnson faced, and has now been deemed to be complicit with.

Had Boris Johnson not have resigned from his position in the Conservative Party, the committee recommended both a 90 day suspension, which would have effectively triggered a by-election in his constituency of Uxbridge and South Ruislip, and his pass which would allow him access into Parliament.

That doesn’t seem to be enough though, as now calls are being made to Rishi Sunak to cut the ex-Prime Minister allowance that every former service minister in Number 10 is entitled to after leaving office. That sentiment has been made as early as January 2023, with the Liberal Democrats writing “Boris Johnson has a dismal track record of avoiding scrutiny and covering up his lies and deceit.” 

“We know he’s only interested in following the money, so it’s time to hit him where it hurts - his wallet. Johnson should be stripped of his taxpayer-funded ex-Prime Minister’s allowance until he finally comes clean.”

Since the publication of the Partygate report, and ahead of an MP’s debate in the House of Common scheduled this coming Monday, those calls for his Public Duty Costs Allowance to be canned have become a lot louder.

How much does Boris Johnson receive as part of his ex-PM allowance?

The Public Duty Costs Allowance was introduced to assist former Prime Ministers still active in public life. Payments are made only to meet the actual cost of continuing to fulfil public duties.

The PDCA has a financial limit which was originally set to align with the staffing allowance for MPs’ offices. The current limit is set at £115,000 and has remained frozen since 2011. This limit is currently what Boris Johnson has been entitled to after leaving Number 10 back in September 2022.

Johnson is one of three former Prime Ministers who received the full amount, joining former Conservative leader Sir John Major and former Labour leader Tony Blair. In contrast, former Conservative Prime Minister Theresa May only claimed £57,832, according to the Institute for Government website