Lawyer Christine Lee accuses MI5 of using her as a “political football” to divert attention from the Partygate scandal, claiming racial discrimination and political motives behind the allegations of working for the Chinese government.
Christine Lee, a lawyer accused by MI5 of working for the Chinese government, stated at a tribunal that she was used as a “political football” to deflect attention from the Partygate scandal. Lee asserted that the interference alert issued by the Security Service served political purposes favoring the Conservative Party and claimed she faced racial discrimination.
In January 2022, MI5 warned MPs that Lee, linked to China’s Communist Party, engaged in political interference activities. This alert came a day after then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s apology over Partygate. Lee has categorically denied the allegations and is legally challenging the Security Service, arguing that the notice was unlawful.
The Security Service defended their decision, asserting it was “rational and lawful” and aimed at national security. They claimed Lee’s connections to the Chinese Communist Party posed a threat. The tribunal, consisting of Lord Justice Singh, Lord Boyd, and Judge Rupert Jones, is expected to deliver a judgment in writing at a later date.
