MPs stand with Boris — for now
With varying degrees of enthusiasm, senior British government ministers yesterday expressed support for Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson and rejected demands he resign for attending a garden party during the country’s first lockdown.
Many other Conservatives held their tongues, waiting to see whether the crisis threatening Johnson’s premiership will fade.
Pressure on Johnson looked set to build after a newspaper published allegations of two more staff parties in the PM’s office, complete with drinking, music and dancing. The Daily Telegraph said the leaving parties for two staffers took place in April 2021, the night before the funeral of 99-year-old Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II.
The new revelation came a day after Johnson apologised in the House of Commons for attending a “bring your own booze” party in the garden of Downing Street in May 2020. About 100 staff were invited to what was billed as a “socially distanced drinks” event.
At the time, Britons were banned by law from meeting more than one person outside their households as part of measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Johnson said he understood public “rage,” but stopped short of admitting wrongdoing.
He urged people to await the conclusions of an investigation by senior civil servant Sue Gray. Gray, a veteran with a reputation as a straightshooter, is expected to report by month’s end.
Gray cannot punish politicians, and Johnson did not say what he would do if she found he was at fault.
Johnson was yesterday holed up in Downing Street as waves of support, anger and disbelief about his version of events swept the country — and its political system.
Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis said Johnson’s apology had been “very, very sincere” — but he added Johnson did not believe he had done anything wrong.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss tweeted: “I stand behind the Prime Minister 100% as he takes our country forward.”
Treasury chief Rishi Sunak was more muted. He tweeted that “The PM was right to apologise and I support his request for patience while Sue Gray carries out her enquiry.”
Opposition politicians say Johnson should resign for attending the party and for his previous denials any rulebreaking took place.