Boris Johnson launches judicial review into decision he must face criminal trial over claims he lied to the public during Brexit referendum
- Former Foreign Secretary launched judicial review into Brexit court challenge
- A judge last week ruled Johnson could face crown court trial for ‘£350m’ claim
- Campaigner Marcus Ball raised more than £450,000 to fund the private prosecution
By George Odling For The Daily Mail
Published: 20:17 EDT, 3 June 2019 | Updated: 00:21 EDT, 4 June 2019
Boris Johnson has launched a judicial review into the decision to haul him to court over allegations that he lied to the public during the Brexit referendum.
District Judge Margot Coleman last week ruled that Mr Johnson could face a Crown Court trial for misconduct in public office over the infamous claim that Britain ‘pays the EU £350 million a week’.
The judgment was handed down in a private prosecution brought by campaigner Marcus Ball, 29, who has raised more than £450,000 from supporters on the internet to fund the action.
Mr Johnson could face a Crown Court trial for misconduct in public office over the infamous claim that Britain ‘pays the EU £350 million a week’
Mr Ball last night revealed that the former Foreign Secretary’s legal team had lodged a challenge, claiming it was unlawful for Westminster Magistrates Court to issue a summons against him.
‘I am a named “interested party” in the application, and will be opposing the order sought,’ he added.
The prosecution could present an untimely setback for Mr Johnson, who is currently the clear favourite to win the Tory leadership race.
Misconduct in a public office carries a potential life sentence.
Mr Ball said he was not targeting Boris Johnson to frustrate Brexit, but began fundraising to take all politicians to task over their perceived lies.
Last week it emerged he had spent more than £50,000 of the funds raised on himself, including £210 on luxury cupcakes as a gift for his legal team and £654 on ‘self-defence training.’
The private prosecution has been brought by campaigner Marcus Ball, 29, who has raised more than £450,000 from supporters on the internet to fund the action
And the ‘entrepreneur and motivational speaker,’ from Norwich, said he has been bombarded with abusive messages as the case’s profile has grown.
‘I would absolutely love to be able to prosecute a Remainer,’ he told the Daily Mail.
‘It would show what I am really trying to achieve – this cannot stop Brexit but politicians shouldn’t be allowed to lie. They need to be held to account.’
Mr Ball, who began his campaign in July 2016, said donations spiked last week and he raised more than £50,000 in just four days.
Senior figures have defended Mr Johnson and argued the decision to summons him ‘sets a dangerous precedent’ for freedom of speech.
It is not yet known when any judicial review would be heard but the process is likely to take several months.
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