Boris Johnson, considered the front-runner to become Britain’s next prime minister, must appear in court over allegations that he knowingly lied during the Brexit referendum campaign, a judge ruled Wednesday.
Johnson, the former foreign secretary, will be summoned to appear over allegations of misconduct in public office, Judge Margot Coleman said in a written decision, without specifying the date.
The case concerns Johnson’s claim that Britain sends £350 million ($440 million) a week to the European Union.
While this was Britain’s gross contribution, the net figure accounts for a budget rebate from the EU as well as payments to Britain’s public sector from the EU budget, and is substantially less.
Businessman Marcus Ball has crowd-funded a private initiative to bring Johnson to court.
“The allegations which have been made are unproven accusations, and I do not make any findings of fact,” the judge said. “Having considered all the relevant factors I am satisfied that this is a proper case to issue the summons as requested,” she wrote.
Referring to Johnson as the “proposed defendant,” Coleman said he would be required to attend a preliminary hearing that could then result in a trial.
Political observers consider Johnson the favorite among 11 candidates vying to replace Theresa May as leader of the governing Conservative Party, and therefore prime minister.