Partying Johnson ‘off the hook’
Boris Johnson seems to have survived the political crisis that threatened to end his rule after the Metropolitan Police decided not to issue him with more fines for attending lockdown-breaking parties in Downing Street.
Both critics and supporters of the British Prime Minister admitted surprise that Mr Johnson’s punishment ended up being confined to one fine for attending a gathering to celebrate his birthday in 2020.
Operation Hillman was closed with 126 fines issued to 83 people.
While some Conservative MPs are still concerned about the impact of the senior civil servant Sue Gray’s report into the gatherings, which is set to be published next week, others said Mr Johnson was now safe.
Sir Charles Walker, a senior backbencher who in February said it was “inevitable” that Mr Johnson would be forced out over “partygate”, said: “I was wrong – the Prime Minister is going to continue in No 10.”
He added: “He’s like that cricket all-rounder who’s been written off time and time again, and then grabs the bowling ball and takes five for 15, or smashes a hundred, or does both things in the same match.”