Boris Johnson will no longer have to appear in court over allegations he misled the public during the Brexit campaign.

The former foreign secretary successfully challenged a demand to appear in court after a private prosecution was brought against him by campaigner Marcus Ball.

Mr Johnson, who was the Vote Leave figurehead, was accused of misconduct in a public office over claims he made during the Brexit referendum campaign about the UK sending £350m a week to the EU.

Image: The MP claimed the UK sends the EU £350m a week during the Brexit campaign

At a High Court hearing on Friday, Mr Johnson's lawyers told senior judges he denied acting improperly or dishonestly during the 2016 campaign.

They challenged the summons for him to attend Westminster Magistrates' Court over three allegations of misconduct in public office brought by Mr Ball, who crowdfunded £300,000 through an online campaign to bring the prosecution.


Mr Johnson, who is favourite in the race to replace Theresa May as Tory leader and prime minister, will now not face a criminal prosecution after the High Court overturned the summons.

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."

Mr Darbishire earlier told the court that the £350m a week figure was disputed "as soon it was said" and remains the subject of public debate.

He said: "It was just a political claim open to and available for contradiction and debate, and it was, and is, for the good sense of the electorate to discount it if they choose so to do.

"It is not for the CPS, judge and jury to determine the misconduct of this claim and it is not for the interested party either."

Mr Darbishire claimed the bid to prosecute Mr Johnson was "politically motivated", adding an attempt to use the criminal justice system for "a political purpose" was an "extremely grave and troubling thing to do".

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Mr Ball's lawyers, in written submissions, argued the attempted prosecution was "an issue of significant public and political interest" that had been "heightened" by Mr Johnson's entry into the Tory leadership election.

They said: "The entirely proper motivation for the prosecution is to hold to account a high-profile politician and holder of public office for what is alleged to be significant misconduct in relation to an issue of great public importance."

Referring to the £350m a week figure, Mr Ball's representatives added: "There is ample evidence that (Mr Johnson) did know it was a false and misleading figure."

Speaking outside the Royal Courts of Justice after the hearing, Mr Ball said he would consider his next steps after the court gives reasons for its decision.

He added: "We have just given the green light for every politician to lie to us about our money forever. That is a terrifying idea."

Asked if he had a message for Mr Johnson, Mr Ball said: "You don't have the right to lie to the public about how their money is being spent."

He added: "I would ask you, please, all members of Parliament, all elected representatives, understand: you cannot lie to the public about their money."

Mr Johnson was not required to appear in the High Court and did not attend the hearing.

A spokesman said the MP would not be commenting on the case.