Johnson ‘humbled’ but not quitting
LONDON: Boris Johnson said he took responsibility but refused to quit after a damning official report yesterday detailed a series of illegal lockdown parties at the British leader’s Downing Street office.
Opposition politicians and some in his own party have repeatedly called for him to resign over the alcoholfuelled gatherings in violation of Covid19 rules all but banning people from socialising outside their households.
‘‘I am humbled and I have learned a lesson,’’ Johnson told parliament, adding he would not quit.
The report by senior official Sue Gray did not specifically blame Johnson, but included photographs and gave graphic details from more than a dozen gatherings.
He attended some, including a party to celebrate his 56th birthday on June 19, 2020, for which he was fined, but which Gray said he was unaware of in advance.
‘‘Many of these events should not have been allowed to happen.
‘‘The senior leadership . . . must bear responsibility for this culture,’’ Gray said.
Johnson, who commissioned the report, said he was appalled by some of the behaviour it had uncovered but that attending leaving events to thank colleagues was part of his job.
Gray’s interim findings were published in January but details were withheld until the end of a police inquiry, which concluded last week with 126 fines given.
Gray’s full report included emails and messages that showed many gatherings were planned in advance, with discussions on who would bring alcohol — drinks that ‘‘we seem to have got away with’’, the thenhead of Johnson’s office, Martin Reynolds, said in one message.
There were warnings from another official that people should not be ‘‘waving bottles of wine’’ before a gathering that coincided with a televised news conference when ministers told the public to follow the Covid19 rules.
Gray also cited multiple examples of a lack of respect for and poor treatment of security and cleaning staff.
Johnson’s immediate fate lies in the hands of his Conservative lawmakers, who can call for a confidence vote. Many had said they would wait for Gray’s full report before deciding. — Reuters