Boris Johnson said “no” to Liberal Democrat MP Wendy Chamberlain on whether he would step down.
(Photo: Reuters)
London UK Prime Minister’s crisis after government lockdown parties is coming to a head. On Wednesday, the first Conservative MP defected to Labor in protest at Boris Johnson’s handling of the scandal.
Unfortunately, the Prime Minister has proved unable to show the leadership needed, said MP Christian Wakeford. He is one of the younger Tories from the so-called “Red Wall”, former Labor strongholds that Johnson first conquered for the Conservatives in 2019.
Influential veterans are now openly calling for Johnson to resign. “Go in God’s name,” said former Brexit Secretary David Davis during Prime Minister’s Question Time on Wednesday. “I expect my leaders to take responsibility.” Johnson didn’t do that.
David is a Brexit hardliner and former Johnson supporter. The fact that he is now keeping his distance shows how dangerous the situation is for the prime minister.
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Many MPs are expecting a vote of no confidence in Johnson soon. In order to force a vote on the prime minister, 54 letters of no-confidence must reach the Conservative backbench spokesman. According to British media, the number could soon be reached. MEPs meet in groups to coordinate their actions.
Her determination was heightened Tuesday after Johnson gave a disastrous TV interview. Among other things, the Prime Minister had claimed that nobody had told him that the Downing Street garden party on May 20, 2020 was against the corona rules.
At that time the country was in lockdown, a maximum of two people were allowed to meet. The prime minister’s latest excuse drew scorn and ridicule from the public – and grim indignation from the conservative faction.
In his question time on Wednesday, Johnson was combative. He vigorously rejected all demands for his resignation. Please wait for the result of the official investigation, he said.
investigation report in the coming week
Top official Sue Gray is investigating around a dozen government parties during lockdowns in May, November and December 2020 and April 2021. She will present her report next week, Johnson said.
The Prime Minister tried to distract from the scandal. As expected, he announced that the corona restrictions imposed before Christmas will expire on January 26th. These include the home office recommendation and the obligation to wear a mask.
The end of the mask requirement caused jubilation on the right wing of the party. Johnson said he was proud of his government’s work. Great Britain will be the first country in Europe to leave the omicron wave behind and lift all restrictions.
But Labor opposition leader Keir Starmer kept bringing the language up at the parties. The prime minister comes up with new absurd statements every week, he said. When will he finally step down?
To the jeering Tory MPs, Starmer quipped that the party leadership must have told them to bring their own alcohol. It was a reference to the explosive email sent by Johnson’s private secretary to inviting 100 Downing Street employees to the garden party in May 2020.
More: Boris Johnson before the end – three scenarios for his future.