Boris Johnson will face court over claims he lied during Brexit referendum

LONDON - Boris Johnson has been summoned to court to face accusations of misconduct in public office over claims he lied in the 2016 EU referendum campaign.

The Brexiteer, a leading figure in the official Leave campaign, faces claims that he lied about the UK sending £350 million a week to the EU, a figure that became synonymous with the official campaign to exit the EU.

The case was brought against Johnson by Marcus Ball, a private citizen, who alleged that Johnson intentionally misled the public.

District Judge Margot Coleman on Wednesday ruled that Johnson should be summonsed to face the claims in court.

A summary of the official verdict said: "Having considered all the relevant factors I am satisfied that this is a proper case to issue the summons as requested for the three offences as drafted. The charges are indictable only. This means the proposed defendant will be required to attend this court for a preliminary hearing, and the case will then be sent to the Crown Court for trial. The charges can only be dealt with in the Crown Court."

More follows.