Ministers circle wagons to defend Johnson after ‘Partygate’ apology

Cabinet ministers have rallied behind the prime minister to publically shore up Boris Johnson’s support.

Senior Conservatives flooded broadcast studios and social media with praise for the PM following his admission he attended a “bring your own booze” party in No 10 in May 2020 and fears over Tory revolt rose.

Earlier yesterday, Mr Johnson apologised and insisted he thought the event was work-related.

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries was the first out of the blocks to back her boss, saying an inquiry led by senior official Sue Gray must be allowed to go ahead.

“People are hurt and angry at what happened and he has taken full responsibility for that. The inquiry should now be allowed to do its work and establish the full facts of what happened,” she tweeted.

Responding to her message, Levelling Up

Secretary Michael Gove: “Nadine is right.”

And the former leadership hopeful also backed up the PM to the 1922 Committee of backbench Tory MPS, where he is reported to have said Mr Johnson “gets the big calls right” and urged colleagues not to be “flaky”.

Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary Dominic Raab told ITV it was a “daft question” when asked whether he would run again for the

Tory leadership. “I’m fully supportive of this prime minister and I’m sure he will continue for many years to come,” he said.

Home Secretary Priti Patel and Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng are reported to have expressed their support in a Whatsapp group for Tory MPS.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: “I completely understand why people feel let down. The PM did the right thing by apologising.”