PM’s constituents furious over Partygate pictures
RESIDENTS COMPLAIN THAT BORIS ‘DOES NOT TAKE ACCOUNTABILITY’
BORIS Johnson’s constituents in the west London town of Uxbridge are furious with the Prime Minister after Sue Gray’s Partygate report revealed pictures of him breaking his own Covid restrictions.
The report, released last Wednesday morning by civil servant Ms Gray, blasted the boozy culture in Downing Street during the pandemic.
She said senior leadership in Boris Johnson’s Government had to “bear responsibility” for the culture in No 10 and that many events “should not have been allowed” to go ahead.
The report also revealed a leaving party in No 10 on June 18 2020 was so boozy that someone was sick while two others got into a “minor altercation”.
It also highlighted “poor treatment” of security and cleaning staff in the building.
Nine damning photos from Partygate events were released with the report, with some showing Mr Johnson and Rishi Sunak in attendance.
The Metropolitan Police has dished out 126 fines to 83 people in connection with its Partygate probe, with the Prime Minister receiving a fine for his birthday party on June 19 2020. The Prime Minister told MPs he took “full responsibility for everything that took place on my watch”.
However, many residents in Mr Johnson’s Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency have turned away from the PM for good.
Jafar Fakih told the Local Democracy Reporting Service he was not able to visit his wife in hospital when she had an accident at the end of 2020 because of lockdown restrictions.
“I was a big supporter of the Conservatives,” he said.
“After these things started coming out, Partygate and everything, I said this is not the party for me.”
He added: “He was a liar the whole time... for many things, especially for the party. And he was enjoying it.”
Maria Martinez, 52, said: “I don’t like Boris Johnson, I think he lies a lot. I voted Labour in the last elections and from now on I will not be voting Conservative.”
She added: “For me to vote Conservative Boris Johnson has to go. He is the main problem because I think whatever happens, I’m not saying the Government is perfect, but he doesn’t take accountability for what he does so I don’t really trust him and I can’t believe Hillingdon stayed Conservative.”
However, she was doubtful over who could replace him. She said: “I think they don’t want to do a vote of no confidence because they don’t know who will replace him.”
Local Kenneth Roberts was also angry at the PM.
He said: “I don’t care about the police line on it, he’s just made a mess of everything. He’s never been a good person.”
He added: “I’m angry with all the people who are helping him.”
Caroline, who did not wish to give her surname, said the public is “entitled” to know the truth.
She said: “It can’t be one rule for us and another for them. If he gets off with a warning, may he apologise to the people who did their best to shield people and admit the gravity of his actions. It’s not something you can’t just laugh off.”
She added: “It is important because he’s representing not only his constituency but the whole of the UK and it is a bit naughty, if I can put it in layman’s terms, when it’s been such a horrific time during coronavirus and if this country does anything we do what we’re told to do in everyone’s best interests.”
A few locals also said they did not think Mr Johnson should resign because of the scandals.
Tony Summers said: “The fact is people are dying and the country is a mess, it just seems to be that the media want to grab hold of these things.”
He added: “It’s not important, is it? You’ll find most people in this country were breaking the rules in some way or another. We’re all hypocrites.”
Lorna Cardones, 73, said “nobody’s perfect” when asked about the parties.
She said: “Sometimes he’s good, he’s done so many good jobs, but sometimes he’s made a mistake. Nobody’s perfect.”