Boris Johnson Wins High Court Challenge Over Brexit Bus Claims

7 June 2019, 13:08 | Updated: 7 June 2019, 13:23

Boris Johnson will not face criminal prosecution over claims he made during the referendum campaign about the UK sending £350 million a week to the EU after winning a High Court challenge.

The former foreign Secretary was summonsed to attend Westminster Magistrates' Court to face three allegations of misconduct in public office.

The allegations related to claims on the side of a bus during the EU referendum campaign which said Britain gave the EU £350m a week.

The £350 million figure was emblazoned on the red campaign bus used by Vote Leave during the referendum, with the slogan saying "We send the EU £350 million a week, let's fund our NHS instead".

But, following a hearing in London on Friday, Lady Justice Rafferty and Mr Justice Supperstone overturned the earlier decision.

Addressing Mr Johnson's barrister, Adrian Darbishire QC, Lady Justice Rafferty said: "We are persuaded, Mr Darbishire, so you succeed, and the relief that we grant is the quashing of the summonses."

The judge said reasons for the court's ruling will be given at a later date.

Mr Darbishire argued that the attempt to prosecute Mr Johnson was "politically motivated and vexatious".

Mr Johnson, who is currently the front runner in the Conservative party leadership contest, did not have to appear and did not attend the High Court hearing.

This is a developing story, check back for the latest.