If this is substantially true, then I think it takes things to a new level:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-61566410.
For me, the issue would then become one of the appalling errors of judgement: not foreseeing and not exiting such an avoidable fiasco. Further, it would bring into question those who decided to continue supporting Boris, both individual MPs and the party as a whole: when did you become aware something was awry? All-in-all, I wouldn't put them in charge of a deckchair, if I had two.
Finally, I'm depressed with my own thinking: I seem to be edging ever nearer to a stance of 'lie if you must, but at least be efficient at it'. Not good really.