Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced he is standing down as an MP with immediate effect.
In a statement, Mr Johnson said he has received a letter from the House of Commons Privileges Committee about their 'partygate' investigation.
He claimed they are determined to "drive me out of parliament."
Mr Johnson said: "I have written to my association in Uxbridge and South Ruislip to say that I am stepping down forthwith and triggering an immediate by-election.
"I am very sorry to leave my wonderful constituency. It has been a huge honour to serve them, both as mayor and MP".
Mr Johnson said he was 'proud' of what he helped to deliver after a cumulative 15-year stint.
"I also remain hugely proud of all that we achieved in my time in office as Prime Minister: getting Brexit done, winning the biggest majority for 40 years and delivering the fastest vaccine roll out of any major European country, as well as leading global support for Ukraine," he said.
Boris Johnson arriving at Downing street in London, England to attend a Cabinet meeting. Picture by: Mark Thomas / AlamyThe cross-party privileges committee, led by UK Labour MP Harriet Harman, has been assessing whether Mr Johnson misled the British parliament with his statements claiming all COVID-19 rules and guidance were followed by Downing Street during lockdown gatherings.
A suspension from Britain's House of Commons of 10 days or more - if approved by UK MPs - would trigger a recall petition, which would then result in a by-election if 10% of his constituents backed the move.
Mr Johnson said the committee "have still not produced a shred of evidence that I knowingly or recklessly misled the Commons."
"They know perfectly well that when I spoke in the Commons I was saying what I believed sincerely to be true and what I had been briefed to say, like any other minister.
"I am now being forced out of parliament by a tiny handful of people, with no evidence to back up their assertions, and without the approval even of Conservative party members let alone the wider electorate.
"I believe that a dangerous and unsettling precedent is being set," he added.
Additional reporting: IRN
