A political crisis is hitting the UK following revelations of illegal parties that took place at 10 Downing Street, the Prime Minister’s residence, during periods of confinement. Parties in which Boris Johnson would have sometimes participated. The opposition parties are calling for his resignation, as well as some deputies from his own party. With such a scandal across the Channel, can the Prime Minister remain in office?
The answer to this question is that he will do everything to stay in office, because Boris Johnson is not one to admit defeat. The origin of the scandal, there are these illegal parties which have been held on several occasions, during the various confinements, in the gardens of 10 Downing Street, the residence of the Prime Minister. During one of these “parties”, as we say in English, Boris Johnson himself would have mingled with his collaborators. It was May 20, 2020, during the first, very strict confinement.
The collaborators to whom the chief of staff of Boris Johnson had recommended to bring their own bottle of alcohol were the very ones who had developed very severe restrictive rules for the whole of the population. Huge controversy across the Channel, on the theme: shame on these rulers who enact measures that they do not then apply to themselves, on the mode: ” do as I say, not as I do “.
Lying in front of parliamentarians, one of the most serious faults
In his defence, Boris Johnson explained that he was unaware of the party, he thought it was an outdoor business meeting and, he says, no one alerted him. A defense that caused many sarcastic laughs in Great Britain. Especially since one of his former advisers Dominic Cummings, in office at the time of the events, explained that with another colleague, he had advised his Prime Minister not to authorize this party – given the circumstances in the country- and even more to get there. And Cummings to add treacherously: Boris Johnson therefore lied to Parliament when he provided his explanations and apologized to the House of Commons.
► Also to listen: Boris Johnson in the hot seat: “He potentially becomes the handicap of the Conservative Party”
However, in British political culture, lying in front of parliamentarians is one of the most serious faults for a minister or a prime minister. If it turns out that he lied, he must resign. This is not yet the case, but the Prime Minister’s claims are the subject of an internal investigation by senior civil servant Sue Gray. We are awaiting the results of his investigations in the coming days, but for many the case is closed. If he had any dignity, Boris Johnson should have resigned by now.
Boris Johnson wants to do everything to stay in office
In total, about fifteen illegal parties were spotted by the British press, and in particular the one which took place the day before the funeral of Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth. Johnson apologized with the sovereign. It all sounds very bad. Some Conservative MPs believe that it is necessary to challenge its leadership – a procedure in this sense is possible if 15% of the party’s MPs (that’s 54 MPs currently) send a letter of no confidence to an ad hoc committee, the 1922 Committee.
► To read also: bogged down in the “Partygate” scandal, Boris Johnson counterattacks
But the Prime Minister intends to do everything to stay in office. Including putting pressure on MPs who want him down. Or by promising mountains and wonders to the British, starting with the very rapid lifting of health restrictions. As we say in English:no shame“. All shame drunk…