THE PARTY’S OVER, BORIS! PM should quit over lockdown drinks do, say public majority
BORIS Johnson is facing calls to resign as Prime Minister as the evidence about lockdown parties mounts up.
A poll revealed the majority of the country want him to quit as it was yesterday reported he faces a police probe after a bombshell leaked email showed his top civil servant invited 100 staff to a boozy bash in Downing Street during the first lockdown.
The PM is under huge pressure to “come clean” after the emergence of the message from his principal private secretary Martin Reynolds urging aides to “make the most of the lovely weather” on May 20, 2020.
The email apparently caused shock among some recipients, who exchanged comments including: “Why is Martin encouraging a mass gathering in the garden?”
At the time, only two people were allowed to socialise outside while two metres apart under England’s COVID curbs.
There was an exemption for “essential work purposes”, but the guidance stated people should “minimise all meetings and other gatherings in the workplace”.
On a visit to his constituency yesterday, Mr Johnson ducked questions about whether he attended the gathering along with wife Carrie and 30-40 staff who feasted on drinks, crisps and sausage rolls – as has been claimed.
Instead he insisted it was a matter for Sue Gray, the senior official leading an investigation into allegations of lockdown parties across Whitehall.
Fury
And Downing Street insisted that Mr Reynolds “continues in his role” and has the full confidence of the PM.
Bereaved families vented fury and accused Mr Johnson of “smirking” rather than answering the allegations.
And an online survey of Sunday Sport readers revealed 69 per cent think Boris should quit. And Labour leader Keir Starmer said: “Boris Johnson, your deflections are absurd. Not only did you know about the parties in Downing Street, you attended them.
“Stop lying to the British public.”