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Boris Johnson and Partygate saga

Should Boris Johnson resign as UK Prime Minister?

  • Yes, he should

    Votes: 12 100.0%

  • No, he should not

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Total voters
    12
shaz619 said:
Apart from maybe a few who do it due to financial reasons, how can any self respecting Muslim or Minority support the Tories and their leader Boris ?

Their should be fatwa to put them on the level of Ahmadis.
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Asian Conservatives do confuse me. Unless it's all about making money. But plenty of members of the modern Tory Party want them out of this country.
 
Robert said:
Asian Conservatives do confuse me. Unless it's all about making money. But plenty of members of the modern Tory Party want them out of this country.
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Exactly. Going by a number of their views and posts it’s pretty clear they tend to have an identity crisis and strong inferior complex.

Business or finance reasons I can understand to an extent even if it’s not an excuse, not all of them come across as a bunch of tools either.

But to blindly and proudly parade as a Tory say someone like a Priti Patel of that ilk, my goodness you must have some serious mental issues and most likely had a disturbing upbringing.

Just look at the scandals in their own party, they treat some of their own coloured MP’s like second class citizens, especially muslims. Why as a Muslim or Minority would you be so proud to be a Tory, perhaps they are inherently racist, facist, silver spoon fed muppets. I can’t say with full confidence their faith is strong either, it can come down to class to I admit, but in those circles where they would do anything to ‘integrate’ with white Tories, I can’t see them paying much attention to the 5 pillars :mv
 
shaz619 said:
Coming from the guy who paints his face white and then attempts to pass of the defender of Islam and Pakistanis you absolute twitt :))

This country has been taken to the gutters by Tories who like to put their bits inside of animals, these are the politically astute individuals who we apparently should rely on and funny how you bend over for them when they do more to harm muslims and minorities then good, yet you will then show fake support for your faith and ethnicity.

Tories have no self respect, especially Coco.
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You definitely have me confused for someone else, I am no defender of Islam and rarely get into threads discussing/defending Islam. Religion is personal, and I don't need to defend.

The issue as ever is with the liberalism you practise, someone disagrees with you, then they're racist etc. Learn to accept people have different opinions instead of judging them. Very unislamic of you!

Now on to how 'Muslims' can support the tories. Why not? Because Boris is a clown so Muslims/Asians should not vote Tory? Tories attack Muslims? What a joke. It was a Labour leader waged an illegal war on Muslims if you are really that concerned.

If you actually live in the UK, the prosperity we have experienced in the last 50 years is down to the Tories believe it or not. Tory party includes MPs from all walks, Muslim, Blacks, Jews, heck had 2 female PMs! So save this liberal facist tamasha that Muslims/Asians shouldn't support the Tories.

For the record I think Boris is a clown, I do not support him, but I love how he winds you and the rest of the liberals up. Plus I will support any party that will get Brexit done!

If I had to choose a leader it would've been Corbyn, but your liberal facist lot ensured he wasn't going to succeed.

Now bore off and support the Liberal Undemocratic party.
 
Robert said:
Asian Conservatives do confuse me. Unless it's all about making money. But plenty of members of the modern Tory Party want them out of this country.
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Sheer nonsense and you know it.

Tories want Muslims out? Based in what evidence? I guess next you will claim the Labour party want Jews out?

Most Asians are conservative by nature. Very few Asians are liberals at heart, and the ones who are are traditionally from a poor/broken upbringing.

And yes making money would a top 3 concern of every citizen; unless you join/support a party to lose money?
 
Asians are naturally conservative, although I guess mostly 'social conservatives'

However the modern Conservative party is no home for us. It is a party of corruption, cronyism, quasi Islamophobes.

I think the majority of us are Social Conservatives/Left of Centre economically - say for example George Galloway was to resurrect the Respect Party with the wonderful Salma Yaqoob then that party would probably get a lot of votes.
 
Technics 1210 said:
You definitely have me confused for someone else, I am no defender of Islam and rarely get into threads discussing/defending Islam. Religion is personal, and I don't need to defend.

The issue as ever is with the liberalism you practise, someone disagrees with you, then they're racist etc. Learn to accept people have different opinions instead of judging them. Very unislamic of you!

Now on to how 'Muslims' can support the tories. Why not? Because Boris is a clown so Muslims/Asians should not vote Tory? Tories attack Muslims? What a joke. It was a Labour leader waged an illegal war on Muslims if you are really that concerned.

If you actually live in the UK, the prosperity we have experienced in the last 50 years is down to the Tories believe it or not. Tory party includes MPs from all walks, Muslim, Blacks, Jews, heck had 2 female PMs! So save this liberal facist tamasha that Muslims/Asians shouldn't support the Tories.

For the record I think Boris is a clown, I do not support him, but I love how he winds you and the rest of the liberals up. Plus I will support any party that will get Brexit done!

If I had to choose a leader it would've been Corbyn, but your liberal facist lot ensured he wasn't going to succeed.

Now bore off and support the Liberal Undemocratic party.
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Off-course your religion is very personal! it involves a great deal of kissing the behind of Saint Boris! Just because the Lib Dems/Labour are inept / have been in the past, why does the saviour get a pass. Even worse when you identify as a Muslim of colour who is desperate to paint his face white! Tories can have as many confused black and brown friends as they want in their party, it doesn’t change that they are all utter skum.

Last 50 years? I didn’t realise uncles play read dead redemption :yk2

As for the supreme leader you’d vote and your choice being driven by a separate group of people, you’re a lot more fragile and damaged then I had imagined in the first place! I always say something is wrong with minorities who vote Tory :/

Asians and minorities can be advised not to vote Lib Dems/Labour etc yeah whatever, but to then to go and vote Tory, let me tell you that you will always be known as a big Uncle Tom / ghanduu in the Kummunity :(
 
DeadlyVenom said:
Asians are naturally conservative, although I guess mostly 'social conservatives'

However the modern Conservative party is no home for us. It is a party of corruption, cronyism, quasi Islamophobes.

I think the majority of us are Social Conservatives/Left of Centre economically - say for example George Galloway was to resurrect the Respect Party with the wonderful Salma Yaqoob then that party would probably get a lot of votes.
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Naturally conservative - translated as the ones who are not compatible with black people, yeah definitely those for obvious reasons like our friend above :afridi
 
shaz619 said:
Naturally conservative - translated as the ones who are not compatible with black people, yeah definitely those for obvious reasons like our friend above :afridi
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No not at all. I don't know what your obsession is with making everything about race.

I meant more so naturally conservative in terms of strong family values ( heterosexual family values exclusivsly though!), influence of religion, community and taking personal responsibility.

I'd imagine most first generation black people from the Caribbean and West Africa have similar leanings.

However, the Tory party was historically unwelcoming and we drifted towards Labour/Left Wing politicians who accepted us owned us and considered us one of their own while the right viewed us with suspicion....it was a a bit trade off and we toned down our natural conservatism in return.
 
shaz619 said:
Naturally conservative - translated as the ones who are not compatible with black people, yeah definitely those for obvious reasons like our friend above :afridi
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Here we go, typical liberal playing the racist card over and over again.

Change the record, or the RPM.
 
shaz619 said:
Off-course your religion is very personal! it involves a great deal of kissing the behind of Saint Boris! Just because the Lib Dems/Labour are inept / have been in the past, why does the saviour get a pass. Even worse when you identify as a Muslim of colour who is desperate to paint his face white! Tories can have as many confused black and brown friends as they want in their party, it doesn’t change that they are all utter skum.

Last 50 years? I didn’t realise uncles play read dead redemption :yk2

As for the supreme leader you’d vote and your choice being driven by a separate group of people, you’re a lot more fragile and damaged then I had imagined in the first place! I always say something is wrong with minorities who vote Tory :/

Asians and minorities can be advised not to vote Lib Dems/Labour etc yeah whatever, but to then to go and vote Tory, let me tell you that you will always be known as a big Uncle Tom / ghanduu in the Kummunity :(
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An intellectually bankrupt response.

Carry on as you were.
 
Downing Street has refused to comment on reports that Boris Johnson attended more lockdown parties than previously thought.

In new allegations this evening, two newspapers detail claims he attended a party in his flat and also went to a leaving do for two colleagues.

In the pared-back report released by Sue Gray on Monday, she revealed three lockdown events in Downing Street and the Cabinet Office that had previously not been publicly known about.
These events are being investigated by the Metropolitan Police and Ms Gray gave little detail about them yesterday.

Mr Johnson is reported to have given a speech at one of the events, according to reports in The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph.

Asked by Sky News about the new allegations, Downing Street declined to comment.
 
DeadlyVenom said:
How he deduced that 'naturally conservative' means being 'incompatible with black people' has little do with him being half black and more to do with him being a half wit.
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Somehow I expected a bit better from a cheap little dude, but am not surprised by your racist post. If a black dude was walking along the street, I doubt you’d say that in person :( but you’ve proven how diabolically insecure and ignorant you are.
 
Just from my point of view it would be hilarious if Boris has to resign or gets sacked over this.

It will go down as one of the most pettiest things to happen in politics for a long time.
 
Downing Street has refused to comment on new reports that reveal details of lockdown parties Boris Johnson is alleged to have attended.

In fresh claims, two newspapers say the PM attended a party in his flat and also went to separate leaving dos.
 
DeadlyVenom said:
How he deduced that 'naturally conservative' means being 'incompatible with black people' has little do with him being half black and more to do with him being a half wit.
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There are very few black Conservatives. Ever so nice the days of Enoch Powell.

Particularly since that Party absorbed the hard right and became English ethno-nationalists.
 
Gilly said:
Just from my point of view it would be hilarious if Boris has to resign or gets sacked over this.

It will go down as one of the most pettiest things to happen in politics for a long time.
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You don’t think that repeated law-breaking and repeated lying to the House are resignation issues?
 
Robert said:
There are very few black Conservatives. Ever so nice the days of Enoch Powell.

Particularly since that Party absorbed the hard right and became English ethno-nationalists.
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There are some. Kwasi Kwarteng, James Cleverly, and Kemi Badenoch are all government ministers. Kwarteng in particular has quite a central role to play at the moment as Business & Energy Secretary, and Cleverly was Chairman of the Conservative Party for a while.

Black Conservatives and an accompanying ideological standpoint (particularly in terms of social conservatism) seem to be more frequently seen with the Republican Party in the US.
 
Gilly said:
I think its petty and blown way out of proportion by the media.
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Yes you've said that already.

Over here, lawbreaking is a resignation issues for a Minister. Misleading the House is a resignation issue. Millions tried to follow the rules out of patriotic duty - ran into debt, suffered mental illness, couldn't see their loved ones when they were sick and dying. 80,000 people were caught breaking the rules by Police and were fined. But Johnson fragrantly and repeatedly broke the rules which he himself had set. Then lied repeatedly to the House to cover it up. That reveals a man utterly unfit for high office. If he had honour, he would resign.
 
'That's not going to work with the police,' Starmer tells PM

Sir Keir tells the PM he has offered "lots of words, lots of bluster" but "no answers", adding: "That's not going to work with the police".

The Labour leader now highlights low economic growth since 2010, which he says was higher under the last Labour government.

"He and the chancellor are having to raise taxes because the Tories failed to grow the economy over a decade," Sir Keir says.

In response, the PM says taxes are having to be raised because of the impact of the COVID pandemic.

"Despite of all the difficulties we have faced, we have now got the fastest growth in the G7," he adds.

Mr Johnson also highlights a note left by the last Labour government, stating that there is "no money left".
 
Robert said:
Yes you've said that already.

Over here, lawbreaking is a resignation issues for a Minister. Misleading the House is a resignation issue. Millions tried to follow the rules out of patriotic duty - ran into debt, suffered mental illness, couldn't see their loved ones when they were sick and dying. 80,000 people were caught breaking the rules by Police and were fined. But Johnson fragrantly and repeatedly broke the rules which he himself had set. Then lied repeatedly to the House to cover it up. That reveals a man utterly unfit for high office. If he had honour, he would resign.
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Start the bonfire and grab the pitchforks.

Storm in a tea cup.
 
Gilly said:
Start the bonfire and grab the pitchforks.

Storm in a tea cup.
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Not for the people who obeyed the rules and couldnt see their loved ones for the one last time.

The leader of a nation should be expected to at least the same standards the rest of the population is.

As for it being a storm in a teacup, I wonder whether you would have said the same thing if it was a Labour PM.
 
shaz619 said:
Off-course your religion is very personal! it involves a great deal of kissing the behind of Saint Boris! Just because the Lib Dems/Labour are inept / have been in the past, why does the saviour get a pass. Even worse when you identify as a Muslim of colour who is desperate to paint his face white! Tories can have as many confused black and brown friends as they want in their party, it doesn’t change that they are all utter skum.

Last 50 years? I didn’t realise uncles play read dead redemption :yk2

As for the supreme leader you’d vote and your choice being driven by a separate group of people, you’re a lot more fragile and damaged then I had imagined in the first place! I always say something is wrong with minorities who vote Tory :/

Asians and minorities can be advised not to vote Lib Dems/Labour etc yeah whatever, but to then to go and vote Tory, let me tell you that you will always be known as a big Uncle Tom / ghanduu in the Kummunity :(
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I agree with most of you statement except highlighted part.

There are two main political divisions between the parties - economic and social.

Most parties, including the tories, have been fairly liberal in terms of religion, race and LGBT issues since the 90s. Its only recently that the Tories have gone far right (though oddly they now have more ethnic minorities in the govt than ever before). But up until now, the difference in social policies of the parties was much less as compared to the economic policies.

Economic - As stated earlier, this has been the biggest difference between the parties has been economic. A well off asian living in the south, who doesnt want the taxes going up for people earning 80K+, could easily vote tory, especially if you have a decent tory government.

The problem is this government in particular, who are incompetent, pandering to the far right and very un tory-like in their handling of the economy.
 
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https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-60227531

<b>Boris Johnson is facing further calls to resign amid parties row</b>

Boris Johnson is facing further calls to resign, as Tobias Ellwood became the latest Tory MP to say he wants to oust him from office.

The Bournemouth East MP said he would be submitting a letter of no confidence in the PM, amid the ongoing row over lockdown parties in No 10.

He joins colleague Peter Aldous, who said on Tuesday he had done the same.

At least 54 Tories must submit letters to set up a vote on the PM's future.

A handful of Tory MPs, including Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross, have said they have submitted letters to the backbench 1922 Committee, which runs leadership contests.

But the exact number of letters submitted is not known.

Mr Johnson is seeking to head off a leadership challenge prompted by weeks of damaging headlines about parties in government buildings held whilst Covid restrictions were in place.

At Prime Minister's Questions, Mr Johnson refused to confirm press reports that he was at a party in his Downing Street flat on 13 November 2020.

The gathering is one of 12 events in Downing Street and Whitehall being investigated by the Metropolitan Police for alleged Covid-rule breaking.

The SNP's Westminster leader Ian Blackford claims Mr Johnson misled MPs in December last year when he denied being at this event.

"Surely he doesn't need to wait for an investigation to tell us exactly where he was?" asked Mr Blackford.

Mr Johnson said processes had to be followed and he was getting on with delivering the government's recovery plan.

Mr Ellwood, who chairs the Commons Defence Committee, said he thought it was "inevitable" the 54 letters threshold would be reached.

Adding that Mr Johnson should set up a vote on his leadership himself, the former minister said: "This is all only going one way - and will invariable slide towards a very ugly place."

He told BBC News the prime minister had not shown enough "contrition" in his Commons statement on Sue Gray's report, on Monday, and had already had plenty of time to make the changes he had promised.

He praised Mr Johnson's "energy and enthusiasm" but added: "The domestic and international challenges now require a new leader and that's why I have submitted a letter."

Another former minister told the BBC on Wednesday they had resolved to submit a no-confidence letter in the PM, but they are waiting until they are sure he would lose the subsequent vote.

Under Tory party leadership rules, Mr Johnson would be safe from another challenge for a year if he won a no-confidence vote in his leadership.

The former minister added that colleagues "didn't want to jump the gun" and then be "powerless to act for another year".

"The end is almost inevitable. The question is - is now the right time to put a letter in?" they added.

Meanwhile, Downing Street has refused to comment on reports of Mr Johnson's further attendance at some of the events being investigated by police.

The Daily Telegraph reported he attended an event for two departing officials on 14 January 2021 - with the Guardian adding that he gave a speech and stayed for "around five minutes".

The Telegraph also said he attended an event for another departing official on 17 December 2020, and a gathering in his Downing Street flat on 13 November 2020.

Asked about the reports, No 10 said it would not comment on the Met's ongoing investigation.

Writing on his blog on Tuesday, the PM's former aide Dominic Cummings claimed he had spoken to people who were in No 10 on that date and "could hear the party" in the flat.

"I've spoken to people who say they've seen photos of parties in the flat," he added.

Mr Johnson is also facing calls to withdraw a claim he made in the Sue Gray debate on Monday that Sir Keir Starmer failed to prosecute Jimmy Savile when he was director of public prosecutions (DPP).

Tobias Ellwood and other Conservatives have criticised the PM for these comments, with Mr Ellwood suggesting it was one of the reasons he decided to submit a letter of no confidence in him.

Sir Keir has called Mr Johnson's comments a "ridiculous slur" - and he made a brief statement on them at Prime Minister's Questions.

Addressing Conservative MPs, the Labour leader said: "Theirs is the party of Winston Churchill. Our parties stood together as we defeated fascism in Europe.

"Now their leader stands in the House of Commons parroting the conspiracy theories of violent fascists to try and score cheap political points. He knows exactly what he was doing. It's time to restore some dignity."

The Labour leader was head of the Crown Prosecution Service in 2009 when Surrey Police interviewed Savile and consulted a CPS lawyer, who decided there was insufficient evidence for a prosecution to take place.

The CPS has said Sir Keir was not the reviewing lawyer on the case, and there is no mention of his involvement in a 2013 review into the case.

Nazir Afzal, a former chief crown prosecutor for the North West, said on Monday: "It's not true. I was there. Keir Starmer had nothing to do with the decisions taken."

On Wednesday, senior Tory Sir Bob Neill called on Mr Johnson to withdraw his claim - calling it "baseless and unworthy".

He joins former Northern Ireland secretary Julian Smith, who said on Tuesday the PM's accusation was "wrong and cannot be defended".
 
Sidilicious said:
I agree with most of you statement except highlighted part.

There are two main political divisions between the parties - economic and social.

Most parties, including the tories, have been fairly liberal in terms of religion, race and LGBT issues since the 90s. Its only recently that the Tories have gone far right (though oddly they now have more ethnic minorities in the govt than ever before). But up until now, the difference in social policies of the parties was much less as compared to the economic policies.

Economic - As stated earlier, this has been the biggest difference between the parties has been economic. A well off asian living in the south, who doesnt want the taxes going up for people earning 80K+, could easily vote tory, especially if you have a decent tory government.

The problem is this government in particular, who are incompetent, pandering to the far right and very un tory-like in their handling of the economy.
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That statement is a bit strong/harsh maybe and I get the second bit of your post with the economic reasons to an extent, but to then be a minority and proudly parade as a Tory despite the pandering to the far right who have an interesting relationship with minorities and especially muslims - surely, something is wrong with the person on a mental level :mv
 
So, the liberals are confused about Asian conservatives yet feel Sunak is the perfect replacement for Boris?

Hello? Can you spell irony?

Liberals are trying to wedge society into polarised groups, they succeeded with Brexit, now they are playing the race/religion game.

Every party has bad apples; and to try and paint the Tories, in particular Boris, who lets face it still riles up the Remainers, isn’t going to work, especially when his opponents both LDs and Labour have benefited from a massive boost in personal wealth due to the policies of Thatcher.

Tune into PMQs, and Boris is flanked by 3 of the most powerful positions held by Asians in Government.

All hail Boris! Well done for keeping the Tory party diverse.

The tory party is the future!
 
Another letter went in to the '22 today - from Anthony Magnall MP (Totnes).
 
Robert said:
Another letter went in to the '22 today - from Anthony Magnall MP (Totnes).
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He doesn’t inspire the confidence of elected MP’s in his own party, but has the support of mentally deformed/confused asian Tories like the above idiot :yk
 
Gilly said:
Start the bonfire and grab the pitchforks.

Storm in a tea cup.
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I expect my country's PM to obey the law, especially the ones he set, and to tell the truth to Parliament.
 
Sir Keir starting to look a lot more like PM material, which is little to do with his own abilities but how much of a contrast there is between him and Boris.

The longer Boris hangs on the easier it will be for Sir Kier and Angela Rayner to position themselves as an effective leadership duo that can counter the Tories. Sir Kier should attract the centrists and Angela can keep the left on board.
 
shaz619 said:
He doesn’t inspire the confidence of elected MP’s in his own party, but has the support of mentally deformed/confused asian Tories like the above idiot :yk
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My word Shazzer, you are coming in off your long run these days.
 
Robert said:
I expect my country's PM to obey the law, especially the ones he set, and to tell the truth to Parliament.
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I expect all parties to support a democratic result instead of trying to overturn a democratic result.

How about all parties obey Democracy?
 
DeadlyVenom said:
Sir Keir starting to look a lot more like PM material, which is little to do with his own abilities but how much of a contrast there is between him and Boris.

The longer Boris hangs on the easier it will be for Sir Kier and Angela Rayner to position themselves as an effective leadership duo that can counter the Tories. Sir Kier should attract the centrists and Angela can keep the left on board.
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Yup. Starmer is looking good only because his opponent is a clown. Attrition, nothing more or less.

Put Starmer up against say Gove, then it's a different ball game.
 
Technics 1210 said:
I expect all parties to support a democratic result instead of trying to overturn a democratic result.

How about all parties obey Democracy?
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I think you will find that in British democracy, unlike US presidency, the people do not elect a Prime Minister directly. The people elect an MP, who in turn elect the Prime Minister. In British democracy, the MPs have full right to withdraw their support from the PM. And in this instance, its not the labour party that will bring the PM down, it will be the PMs own party MPs.

Your rage needs to be directed to the Tory MPs asking for his removal. If the no confidence motion against Boris passes, it would be because his own party members do not think he is fit to lead the country.
 
Sidilicious said:
I think you will find that in British democracy, unlike US presidency, the people do not elect a Prime Minister directly. The people elect an MP, who in turn elect the Prime Minister. In British democracy, the MPs have full right to withdraw their support from the PM. And in this instance, its not the labour party that will bring the PM down, it will be the PMs own party MPs.

Your rage needs to be directed to the Tory MPs asking for his removal. If the no confidence motion against Boris passes, it would be because his own party members do not think he is fit to lead the country.
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Look, you do not need to teach me the democratic voting process in the UK.

I was referring to Brexit.

LDs who claim to be democratic were acting worse than Trump supporters in 2020; when Brexit won; LDs came out with the classics - Referendum was non legally binding, Brexit campaign lied, we need a second vote. Best of 3!
 
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We have had to edit and delete quite a lot of garbage above just now.

Let’s please bring the thread back to order going forward.
 
Gary Streeter MP (South-West Devon) hands in his letter to the ‘22.
 
That’s thirteen letters gone in that we know of.

Plenty more will be anonymous.

With this remain a trickle or will it become a flood?
 
Boris Johnson is coming under fresh pressure as three Tory MPs join efforts to oust him as prime minister.


Ex-minister Tobias Ellwood said he had submitted a letter of no confidence in the PM earlier, amid the ongoing row over lockdown parties in No 10.

He has now been joined by backbenchers Anthony Mangnall and Sir Gary Streeter in calling for a vote on his future.

The BBC is aware of 17 Tory MPs who have submitted letters of no confidence.

Of these, only nine have publicly confirmed that they have taken this step, and the situation remains fluid. Only the chairman of the backbench 1922 committee Sir Graham Brady knows the exact number.

At least 54 MPs need to write to Sir Graham to trigger a vote on the PM's leadership of the party.

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries attacked the latest MPs to put in letters, claiming they were "a handful of egos [who] want to make it all about them."

She added: "It's selfish, doing Labour's work and it's really not helping their constituents."

Mr Johnson continues to face questions about parties in government buildings held whilst Covid restrictions were in place.

Only a dozen Conservative MPs have called publicly for Boris Johnson to go. More of them privately have claimed to have sent letters of no confidence, though well short of the 54 required.

So far, this effort has not been hugely co-ordinated.

One of the PM's longstanding critics told me that today's three letters felt like "a wave" of opposition, but it would take more to sweep the PM from power.

And over the next 48 hours there will be discussions aimed at better managing the process.

Potentially rebellious ministers and ex-ministers had wanted to make their move only after the full Sue Gray report was published or after May's local elections, whichever was the sooner.

The assessment was that there would be more chance of unseating Mr Johnson at that stage, with bad election results or bad behaviour providing ammunition.

Because while it takes 54 MPs to trigger a confidence vote, 180 would then be required to ensure his removal.

With some of the rebels motivated not by ideology but by a desire to protect the party's - or their personal - reputation, the prime minister's position remains delicate.

2px presentational grey line
At Prime Minister's Questions, the prime minister refused to confirm press reports that he was at a party in his Downing Street flat on 13 November 2020.

The gathering is one of 12 events in Downing Street and Whitehall being investigated by the Metropolitan Police for alleged Covid-rule breaking.

The SNP's Westminster leader Ian Blackford claimed Mr Johnson misled MPs in December last year when he denied being at this event.

"Surely he doesn't need to wait for an investigation to tell us exactly where he was?" asked Mr Blackford.

Mr Johnson said processes had to be followed and he was getting on with delivering the government's recovery plan.

Mr Ellwood, who chairs the Commons Defence Committee, called on the PM to "cut to the chase, to call a vote of confidence in himself" and said the party was on a "glide path to a very, very dark place".

He told the BBC the prime minister had not shown enough "contrition" in his Commons statement on Sue Gray's report, on Monday, and had already had plenty of time to make the changes he had promised.

Anthony Mangnall, Tory MP for Totnes and South Devon, also revealed shortly after PMQs he had submitted a no-confidence letter in the PM.

He tweeted: "At this time I can no longer support the PM. His actions and mistruths are overshadowing the extraordinary work of so many excellent ministers."

Writing on his Facebook page, South West Devon MP Sir Gary Streeter, a Eurosceptic who was first elected to Parliament in 1992, said he had not taken the decision "lightly" to submit his letter.

But he added: "I cannot reconcile the pain and sacrifice of the vast majority of the British Public during lockdown with the attitude and activities of those working in Downing Street".

Another former minister told the BBC on Wednesday they had resolved to submit a no-confidence letter in the PM, but they are waiting until they are sure he would lose the subsequent vote.

They added that colleagues "didn't want to jump the gun," because if Mr Johnson won a no-confidence vote then under Tory rules he would be safe from another challenge for a year.

Speaking to the BBC, backbencher Simon Hoare said he had given "serious thought" to sending in a letter, but he was persuaded the PM "gets the scale of the challenge".

But he warned: "I'm not saying we're in the last-chance saloon, but closing time is getting closer."

Savile remarks row

Mr Johnson is also facing calls to withdraw a claim he made in the Sue Gray debate on Monday that Sir Keir Starmer failed to prosecute Jimmy Savile when he was director of public prosecutions (DPP).

Tobias Ellwood and other Conservatives have criticised the PM for these comments, with Mr Ellwood suggesting it was one of the reasons he decided to submit a letter of no confidence in him.

Sir Keir has called Mr Johnson's comments a "ridiculous slur" - and he made a brief statement on them at Prime Minister's Questions.


Addressing Conservative MPs, the Labour leader said: "Theirs is the party of Winston Churchill. Our parties stood together as we defeated fascism in Europe.

"Now their leader stands in the House of Commons parroting the conspiracy theories of violent fascists to try and score cheap political points. He knows exactly what he was doing. It's time to restore some dignity."

The Labour leader was head of the Crown Prosecution Service in 2009 when Surrey Police interviewed Savile and consulted a CPS lawyer, who decided there was insufficient evidence for a prosecution to take place.

The CPS has said Sir Keir was not the reviewing lawyer on the case, and there is no mention of his involvement in a 2013 review into the case.

Nazir Afzal, a former chief crown prosecutor for the North West, said on Monday: "It's not true. I was there. Keir Starmer had nothing to do with the decisions taken."

On Wednesday, senior Tory Sir Bob Neill called on Mr Johnson to withdraw his claim - calling it "baseless and unworthy".

He joins former Northern Ireland secretary Julian Smith, who said on Tuesday the PM's accusation was "wrong and cannot be defended".


https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-60227531
 
Boris Johnson's top policy aide has quit over the PM's false claim that Sir Keir Starmer failed to prosecute serial sex offender Jimmy Savile when he was director of public prosecutions.

The PM made the remark on Monday as he came under attack over Sue Gray's report on Downing Street parties.

He later backed down, saying said the Labour leader "had nothing to do personally with those decisions".

Another senior aide, Jack Doyle, has also quit as communications director.

Munira Murza said the PM he should have apologised for the misleading remarks.

In her resignation letter, published by The Spectator, she wrote: "You are a better man than many of your detractors will ever understand, which is why it is so desperately sad that you let yourself down by making a scurrilous accusation against the leader of the opposition."

Asked what he thought of the PM's remarks, Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: "Being honest, I wouldn't have said it, and I am glad that the prime minister clarified what he meant."

And asked if Mr Johnson should apologise, he said: "That's for the prime minister to decide."

No 10 confirmed her departure and that Tory MP Andrew Griffith had been named minister for policy and head of the prime minister's policy unit in the Cabinet Office.

A Downing Street spokesman added: "We are very sorry Munira has left No 10 and are grateful for her service and contribution to government.

"[We] will work across government and with MPs as we continue to deliver and expand on our ambitious policy agenda."

Sir Keir had a career as a lawyer before entering politics, rising to be the head of the Crown Prosecution Service.

On Monday, Mr Johnson accused him of spending "most of his time" as director of public prosecutions (DPP) "prosecuting journalists and failing to prosecute Jimmy Savile", despite having no evidence to back up the claim.

Disc jockey and TV personality Savile was revealed to be a serial sexual abuser after his death in 2011, having attacked hundreds of women and children at various locations including hospitals, schools and the BBC.

BBC
 
The End is Nigh for Boris. Miss Mirzas Resignation is the biggest hint that trust in the PM is disintegrating fast.
 
Four of Boris Johnson's senior aides are leaving Number 10 in a mass exodus from Downing Street amid the fallout from the partygate scandal.

Number 10 revealed on Thursday night that both Dan Rosenfield, the prime minister's chief of staff, and Martin Reynolds, Mr Johnson's principal private secretary, are leaving their roles.

It came just hours after two other key advisers to the prime minister - press chief Jack Doyle and policy chief Munira Mirza - also resigned.

Meanwhile, Chancellor Rishi Sunak - widely touted as a possible successor to the prime minister - piled pressure on Mr Johnson following the row over his comments this week about Jimmy Savile and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.

PM had promised Number 10 shake-up

The prime minister had this week promised a shake-up of Number 10 following the publication of senior civil servant Sue Gray's report into the partygate claims.


But it has been speculated that Mr Johnson was forced to bring forward his plans following the surprise departure of Ms Mirza.

She quit over his use of a discredited claim that Sir Keir personally failed to prosecute prolific sex offender Savile.

Departure of aide who sent 'bring your own booze' invite

Both Mr Rosenfield and Mr Reynolds have been caught up in the multiple allegations of lockdown-busting parties in Downing Street.

Amid the various claims, a leaked email revealed how Mr Reynolds had invited staff to a "bring your own booze" gathering in the Number 10 garden during the UK's first national lockdown in May 2020.

This earned him the nickname "Party Marty".

Number 10 said Mr Rosenfield and Mr Reynolds, who will return to the Foreign Office, would continue in their roles while their successors are appointed.

A Downing Street spokesperson said the prime minister had "thanked them both for their significant contribution to government and No 10, including work on the pandemic response and economic recovery".

Mr Rosenfield was appointed by Mr Johnson in late 2020 following the acrimonious departure of former chief adviser, Dominic Cummings.

Departing press chief also caught up in partygate row

Earlier on Thursday, it was confirmed Mr Doyle had left his role as Number 10's director of communications.

He was reported to have told staff that recent weeks in Downing Street had "taken a terrible toll on my family life".

Mr Doyle, a former journalist, joined Mr Johnson's Downing Street team in early 2020 following the Conservatives' general election victory.

He was recently dragged into the partygate row when he was reported to have made a speech and handed out awards at an alleged Christmas party in Downing Street in December 2020.

As well as acknowledging the impact of a turbulent few weeks in Number 10, Mr Doyle was also reported on Thursday to have told staff it had always been his intention to only serve in government for two years.

PM's policy chief leaves over Johnson's 'scurrilous' Savile claim

News of Mr Doyle's departure came not long after it was revealed that Ms Mirza had resigned from her £145,000-a-year role as the prime minister's policy chief.

She cited Mr Johnson's "scurrilous accusation" that Sir Keir was to blame for Savile, a prolific sex offender, not being prosecuted.

In her resignation letter to the prime minister, as published by The Spectator magazine, Ms Mirza wrote: "I believe it was wrong for you to imply this week that Keir Starmer was personally responsible for allowing Jimmy Savile to escape justice.

"There was no fair or reasonable basis for that assertion. This was not the usual cut and thrust of politics; it was an inappropriate and partisan reference to a horrendous case of child sex abuse.

"You tried to clarify your position today but, despite my urging, you did not apologise for the misleading impression you gave."

Chancellor distances himself from PM's Savile comments

Mr Sunak, speaking at a Downing Street news conference on Thursday evening, described Ms Mirza as a "valued colleague" who he "very much enjoyed working with".

"I am sorry to see her leave government, I will miss working with her," he said.

Mr Sunak also sought to put distance between himself and the prime minister over the row about Mr Johnson's Savile comments.

"With regard to the comments, being honest I wouldn't have said it and I am glad the prime minister clarified what he meant," the chancellor added.

Asked if Mr Johnson should apologise for his remarks, Mr Sunak said: "That's for the prime minister to decide."

In an article for The Sun published late on Thursday night, the chancellor also took a swipe at Mr Johnson's partygate woes as he defended the government's planned hike to National Insurance.

"We have always been the party of sound money - we will always continue to be on my watch - and that is the only kind of party I am interested in," Mr Sunak wrote.

PM 'sorry' to see aide depart

Mr Johnson on Thursday night said he was "sorry" to see Ms Mirza depart, adding: "She's done an outstanding job and has been a wonderful colleague for a long time."

However, speaking to Channel 5, the prime minister said he did not agree with her assertion that his Savile comments were "inappropriate and partisan".

"Let me make it absolutely clear, because people keep going on about this, and no-one is commenting, least of all me, about the personal involvement of the leader of the opposition in the handling of that case," Mr Johnson said.

"All that I've said is that the leader of the opposition apologised for the CPS's handling of that issue during his tenure and that's all frankly that needs to be said on that matter."

'This PM is finished'

Ms Mirza has been a long-time ally of the prime minister and previously worked with Mr Johnson when he was London mayor.

Mr Johnson once included Ms Mirza in a list of the five women who had most influenced him.

In her resignation letter, Ms Mirza added: "You are a better man than many of your detractors will ever understand which is why it is so desperately sad that you let yourself down by making a scurrilous accusation against the leader of the opposition."

Mr Cummings, the prime minister's estranged former chief aide, praised Ms Mirza's "moral courage".

He added on Twitter: "It's also an unmistakeable signal the bunker is collapsing & *this PM is finished*."

Downing Street swiftly announced that Ms Mirza had been replaced as the head of the Number 10 policy unit by Arundel and South Downs MP, Andrew Griffith, who is a loyal ally of the prime minister.

Labour say 'time for PM to look in the mirror'

Commenting on the multiple departures from Mr Johnson's Number 10 team on Thursday, Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner said: "No amount of reorganising Downing Street can clean up the sleaze that comes straight from the top.

"With his [Mr Johnson's] senior advisers and aides quitting, perhaps it is finally time for him to look in the mirror and consider if he might just be the problem.

"It is time to go."

What did the PM say about Starmer and Savile?

The row over Mr Johnson's comments about Savile followed his appearance in the House of Commons on Monday.

As he responded to Sir Keir, Mr Johnson referred to the Labour leader's former role as director of public prosecutions, in which he was head of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

The prime minister claimed Sir Keir had "spent most of his time prosecuting journalists and failing to prosecute Jimmy Savile, as far as I can make out".

With Mr Johnson's remarks having caused uproar in Westminster, including among some Conservative MPs, Sir Keir later accused the prime minister of making a "ridiculous slur" and of "parroting the conspiracy theories of violent fascists to try to score cheap political points".

The victims of Savile also demanded Mr Johnson withdraw his comments.

Fact-checking organisations have found that Sir Keir was not personally involved in the CPS decision not to prosecute Savile.

https://news.sky.com/story/jack-doy...iles-on-pressure-12532195?dcmp=snt-sf-twitter
 
<b>Fifth aide reportedly quits Downing Street — BBC</b>

A former MP, now editor of the independent blog ConservativeHome, has tweeted about the apparent departure of another No 10 adviser.

Paul Goodman reports that Elena Narozanski has become the fifth No 10 aide to walk out within 24 hours.

Ms Narozanski was a special adviser to the PM on women and equalities, DCMS, and extremism.
 
Very odd Ms Mirza resigned, or at least the reason she cited (PM accusing Starmer of failing to prosecute Jimmy Saville)
 
They are all unelected officials, it makes a bit of a headline but I don't think the public cares. Some may have been present in the parties and are jumping ship before they are pushed.
 
DeadlyVenom said:
They are all unelected officials, it makes a bit of a headline but I don't think the public cares. Some may have been present in the parties and are jumping ship before they are pushed.
Click to expand...

It all degrades the PM’s ability to function effectively, which the public will notice.
 
Another aide has reportedly left Number 10, taking the total number of departures in less than 24 hours to five.

Number 10 Policy Unit member Elena Narozanski is the latest aide to leave Boris Johnson's Downing Street operation amid the continuing fallout from the partygate allegations, Conservative Home reports.
 
DeadlyVenom said:
They are all unelected officials, it makes a bit of a headline but I don't think the public cares. Some may have been present in the parties and are jumping ship before they are pushed.
Click to expand...

The truth is most people will not care because they too broke Covid rules.

Also agree some are bailing before being pushed. At present there is no unified drive among the Tory party, it’s all about realigning allegiances.
 
Aaron Bell, MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, send his letter to the 1922.

Fourteen have openly declared rebellion. How many have gone in secretly?
 
15% of Tory party need to send a letter; that's 54.

Once this number is achieved, it's a straight up/down vote to kick Boris out.

The “magic number” of letters is still a long way, number of letters still in the teens.

Theresa May's betrayal of Brexit is far worse than having a birthday cake in office.

She survived a vote of no confidence, so too will Boris.
 
The Boris coup is a tall order imo, it would need a lot of votes in the secret ballot to oust him. 180+

If he survives a VONC he then gets a whole year for free before the process can be invoked again.
 
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-60261455

<b>No 10 denies Boris Johnson has lost control after raft of resignations</b>

Boris Johnson still has control of Downing Street after a string of close aides quit their jobs, his official spokesman has insisted.

Mr Johnson quoted The Lion King as he attempted to rally remaining staff, telling them "change is good".

His spokesman said No 10 was "not currently" expecting more resignations in the coming hours.

But another MP has submitted a letter of no confidence in the PM as the leader battles to save his own job.

Posting on Twitter, Aaron Bell - who criticised Mr Johnson over lockdown parties in the Commons earlier this week - said the "breach of trust" over the rule breaking and how it had been handled made the PM's position "untenable".

Backbench unrest is growing within the Conservative Party, with the BBC aware of 17 Tory MPs who have submitted no confidence letters in the prime minister - 54 are needed to trigger a leadership contest.

Many have cited the PM's participation in parties with staff in No 10 during lockdowns as their motivation to challenge Mr Johnson.

The Metropolitan Police has launched an investigation into 12 of the parties and a full report by Ms Gray is expected to be published afterwards.

And the wave of departures from Mr Johnson's top team adds to the feeling of instability around him.

Mr Johnson's official spokesman told reporters that three of Thursday night's departures - Jack Doyle, Dan Rosenfield and Martin Reynolds - had come as a result of "mutual decisions".

But the exit of head of policy Munira Mirza and policy advisor Elena Narozanski had not been planned.

Backbencher Tory MP Huw Merriman told BBC Radio 4's Today programme the PM should "shape up or ship out".

But Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said it was "the best thing for the country" to keep Mr Johnson in post.

The minister - who once claimed Mr Johnson was not up to the job of prime minister - denied the government was in disarray, saying: "The PM wanted change and he said there would be change, and we're seeing that change now."

The PM held a meeting with staff on Friday, acknowledging it was a "challenging time" in No 10, but he tried to reassure colleagues by quoting Rafiki from Disney's The Lion King, saying "change is good".

His spokesman said Mr Johnson also "reflected on the privilege of working in No 10" and "thanked those who are leaving for their contribution alongside the whole team for their work".

But Labour's shadow employment minister, Alison McGovern, said the situation in Downing Street looked like "an absolute pantomime", adding: "Boris Johnson, the one who should be resigning, will be the last one out of the door."It doesn't exactly exude confidence the fact that so many people are walking out."

— — —

Quoting Rafiki from The Lion King?

He is such a clown act
 
Downing Street has refused to comment on reports a picture of Boris Johnson holding a beer at a birthday party in Number 10 during lockdown has been handed to the Metropolitan Police's investigation.

According to the Daily Mirror, the photo shows the prime minister standing next to Chancellor Rishi Sunak, who is holding a soft drink, in Number 10's cabinet room.

Sources told Sky News they remember Mr Johnson holding a beer at the event on 19 June 2020, his 56th birthday.

At the time, social gatherings indoors were still forbidden, with people only permitted to meet outside in groups of up to six people.

A No 10 spokesman refused to comment, but pointed towards previous comments made about the ongoing investigation.

Downing Street has previously said: "It is right the Met should be now given the time and space to undertake their investigations. It will provide the public with welcome clarity and help draw a line under these events and everyone required will fully co-operate in any way they are asked."


On Monday, top civil servant Sue Gray revealed the gathering is being looked into by the Metropolitan Police as part of their investigation into the "partygate" scandal.

The photo is thought to be one of more than 300 pictures submitted by Ms Gray to the police following her own inquiry into 16 events alleged to have broken lockdown rules.

There was confusion last week after Tory minister Conor Burns said Mr Johnson was "ambushed by a cake" at the gathering, but then the PM told allies he did not have a cake.

In the photo, aides are understood to be gathered around Mr Johnson and Mr Sunak - but there is no cake.

Boris Johnson with birthday cake. Pic: Flickr/Number 10
Image:
Boris Johnson was handed a birthday cake earlier in the day during a school visit. Pic: Flickr/Number 10
Picture was 'taken by PM's official photographer'

The Mirror reports that the photo was taken by the PM's official photographer, Andrew Parsons. A source told Sky News that he "was always ferreting around taking snaps".

Mr Sunak was reported to have come to the cabinet room for a COVID meeting with the PM when he was met with the gathering.

He is understood to have turned up at the end when very few people were still there.

Carrie Johnson, the PM's wife, reportedly organised the surprise complete with a chorus of "happy birthday" - and interior designer Lulu Lytle admitted attending while carrying out controversial work on their Downing Street flat.

Sky News’ Deputy Political Editor Sam Coates explains the key takeaways from Sue Gray’s report into parties held at Downing Street and in Whitehall during the COVID pandemic.

Multiple images taken by Mr Parsons are believed to be part of the 300 pictures given to the Met.

Others are taken from CCTV cameras showing people entering and exiting Downing Street and Whitehall buildings.

A No 10 spokeswoman last week said: "A group of staff working in Number 10 that day gathered briefly in the cabinet room after a meeting to wish the prime minister a happy birthday.

"He was there for less than 10 minutes."

It comes as the number of Tory MPs who have handed in letters of no confidence in the PM continues to grow, with former schools minister Nick Gibb the latest to reveal he has done so.

Mr Johnson has also seen five of his aides quit.

https://news.sky.com/story/downing-...-met-polices-partygate-investigation-12533129
 
Robert said:
Nick Gibb MP sends his letter to the ‘22.
Click to expand...

A former minister has become the 14th Conservative MP to publicly call for Boris Johnson to resign as prime minister.

Writing in The Daily Telegraph, Nick Gibb declared "we need to change the prime minister" and confirmed he has submitted a letter of no confidence to the 1922 Committee.
 
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-60281615

<b>Carrie Johnson: I'm target of a brutal briefing campaign</b>

<I>Boris Johnson's wife Carrie has said she is the target of a "brutal briefing campaign" by the PM's enemies.</I>

A book, serialised in the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday this weekend, alleges she has influence on the prime minister's decision-making.

Her spokeswoman said allegations made by Tory peer Lord Ashcroft were "just the latest attempt by bitter ex-officials" to discredit her.

She added: "She is a private individual who plays no role in government."

Lord Ashcroft has suggested Mrs Johnson's behaviour was "preventing him [the prime minister] from leading Britain as effectively as the voters deserve".

There have been allegations of her involvement in scandals linked to the prime minister, including suggestions she pushed for the luxury redecoration of their No 11 Downing Street flat and that she was key in the evacuation of animals from the Nowzad charity in Kabul, Afghanistan.

No 10 has denied either Mr or Mrs Johnson, who works for a conservation group, had any involvement in the evacuation.

Lord Ashcroft's unauthorised biography of Carrie Johnson follows similar books he has written on Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, Chancellor Rishi Sunak, leader of the House of Commons Jacob Rees-Mogg and former prime minister David Cameron.

He has said all author royalties from his new book, First Lady, are being donated to NHS charities.

The peer, a former Conservative Party treasurer and deputy chairman, has donated millions to the Tories.

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said Mrs Johnson was "under scrutiny in a way that perhaps other prime minsters' spouses weren't".

"The reportage that somehow she's got undue influence, I don't think that's true," he told Times Radio.

"The prime minister has been in politics for 25 years and has a pretty strong set of ideas."

He said reporting about her was not sexist though, adding: "I wouldn't say that but I do think it's interesting when the spouse is someone in their 30s and has got open positions that are well known, people feel free to criticise - I think that's interesting."

Michael Gove's ex-wife, the journalist Sarah Vine, said the focus on Mrs Johnson was "the equivalent of political slut shaming".

She told the BBC's Sunday Morning programme: "The trouble is, it's always the easiest thing to do to blame the woman and the truth is far more complicated than that."

She added: "I know that the nickname Carrie Antoinette is witty and a good pun and we all love a good pun, but I just don't think her head deserves to be on the block in this way."

Former chancellor George Osborne said: "Whatever the flaws and faults of the Boris Johnson government - or indeed its successes - they are the responsibility of Boris, not his wife Carrie.

“Let's move on from this misogynistic Lady Macbeth nonsense."

David Cameron's wife Samantha said last year that descriptions of Mrs Johnson as "princess nut nut" by allies of former aide Dominic Cummings were sexist.

"I think it is very unfair to pick her out as having some kind of undue influence," she said.

In Lord Ashcroft's book, former cabinet minister John Whittingdale said the influence she was said to have was inaccurate - but that the Johnsons "discuss things in a way that previous spouses [of prime ministers] would not, because they were much less political".

He added that "Carrie has a tough time" and lives "a pretty lonely existence".
 
The business secretary has appealed to his party to give Boris Johnson the "time and space to deliver" on the government's promises as pressure continues to mount on his leadership.

The PM had another difficult week, with a critical report into No 10 lockdown parties and five senior aides quitting.

More Tory MPs also declared publicly they had no confidence in him.

But Kwasi Kwarteng said the PM was carrying out his commitment for a reset in No 10 and focused on policies.

And he told the BBC's Sunday Morning programme the "ongoing focus on 'partygate' is not helping anyone".

Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith also told the programme he believed Mr Johnson should stay in his role as "the prime minister is the one that has to sort this out", adding: "[He] bears the overall responsibility".

And he warned other MPs who could be vying for a leadership bid to "temper their ambition".

But Sir Iain said the government "must do more" to tackle the cost of living crisis and "restore the sense [in the public] there is a government they can trust and respect".

The turmoil in Mr Johnson's government has led to growing questions from Conservatives about the PM's future.

On Monday, Sue Gray's initial findings around parties held in Downing Street during Covid lockdowns said there had been "failures of leadership and judgement".

More detail is also expected to come out as part of a Metropolitan Police investigation into 12 of the gatherings.

The PM also faced criticism - and the distancing of some of his ministers - after making a false claim that Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer failed to prosecute Jimmy Savile when he was director of public prosecutions.

This was followed by a string of resignations of senior aides - three of whom were caught up in the lockdown parties row, including senior civil servant Martin Reynolds who sent out an invitation to a "bring your own booze" party.

But one of his longest standing colleagues, Munira Mirza, quit over the Savile remarks and the PM's refusal to apologise.

Mr Johnson announced the appointment of two of their replacements over the weekend, with Cabinet Office minister Steve Barclay becoming chief of staff and his former colleague, Guto Harri, taking over as director of communications.

The PM said the pair would "improve how No 10 operates", and it is understood he is considering further changes to his top team.

Mr Harri tweeted that he was "delighted" to take up the role, alongside a picture of him with Peter Capaldi, who played Malcolm Tucker, No 10's director of communications in satire The Thick of It, and said he had "taken advice" from him.

Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner called the new appointments a farce, adding the prime minister had "clearly run out of serious people willing to serve under his chaotic and incompetent leadership".

Mr Kwarteng told the BBC the new hires were "a step in the right direction", adding: "The prime minister has been very clear that he wants to reset No 10.

"And what we saw [this] week was him following through on that commitment."

He said the government had a "serious agenda" to tackle, with a potential war in Ukraine, the cost of living crisis and bouncing back from the pandemic, "so I don't think focusing on the parties is necessarily the best way for us to get through this".


But with increasing numbers of MPs writing letters of no confidence in the PM - 54 would be needed to trigger a leadership contest - including former schools minister Nick Gibb, has Mr Johnson lost the support of his party to get on with the job?

"I don't think so at all," said Mr Kwarteng. "I have been an MP for 12 years. In all that time, leadership issues have bubbled to the surface.

"A few people have said they are not happy with the direction and gave their views publicly... [but] on balance, if you look at the party in the round, I think people are just very, very focused on delivering on the manifesto."

The business secretary added: "[Mr Johnson] has got a clear mandate and we have got to give him time and space to deliver on that mandate."

'Strong case for change'
One of those unhappy with the PM's leadership is Tory peer Lord Barwell - a former MP who served as Theresa May's chief of staff when she was prime minister.

He told Sky News: "My inclination is that the Conservative Party would be better making a change and I also think, for the good of the country in terms of trust and faith in our politics, there's a strong case for change."

But Lord Barwell said he did not think there was "a chance in hell that the prime minister is going to voluntarily resign".

Sir Iain - who led the Tories in opposition in the early 2000s - said the parties and the aftermath had been "hugely damaging" to the Conservatives and the public were "very angry".

Asked if the PM could recover that reputation, he told the BBC: "None of us know the answer to that question.

"Respect and trust you have to earn, and when you lose it, it's a very difficult task to get it back across the board."

But he said "internecine warfare" should not be the priority of MPs right now, and the government needed to focus on tackling the cost of living crisis.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-60279079
 
Last edited:
shaz619 said:
Coming from the guy who paints his face white and then attempts to pass of the defender of Islam and Pakistanis you absolute twitt :))

This country has been taken to the gutters by Tories who like to put their bits inside of animals, these are the politically astute individuals who we apparently should rely on and funny how you bend over for them when they do more to harm muslims and minorities then good, yet you will then show fake support for your faith and ethnicity.

Tories have no self respect, especially Coco.
Click to expand...

The mask always comes off. It's actually funny.
 
The clown show continues.

— — —

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-60289339

<b>Boris Johnson sang 'I Will Survive' to new communications chief Guto Harri</b>

Boris Johnson told his new director of communications Guto Harri, "I will survive", by singing him lines from the Gloria Gaynor song as he appointed him to the post.

Mr Harri was hired after a string of resignations from No 10 amid turmoil over parties held during lockdowns.

The aide told a Welsh language magazine he saw the PM on Friday afternoon.

He also said his new boss was "not a complete clown, he's a very likeable character".

Mr Harri told Golwg 360 that after exchanging lines from the 1970s disco hit, and "a lot of laughing", he and Mr Johnson "sat down to have a serious discussion about how to get the government back on track and how we move forward".

He added: "90% of our discussion was very serious but he's a character and there is fun to be had. He's not the devil like some have mischaracterised him."

Mr Johnson has been under increasing pressure from his party - including calls to resign from MPs - after revelations that numerous rule-breaking gatherings were held in Downing Street during Covid lockdowns.

An initial report into the parties by senior civil servant Sue Gray said there had been "a failure of leadership", leading to the PM promising a shake-up of staff.

Five aides resigned from No 10 last week - three of whom had been linked to the lockdown events in Downing Street.

But Munira Mirza, one of the PM's longest standing allies, quit in objection to the PM's false claim that Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer failed to prosecute Jimmy Savile.

Mr Harri was one of the first new appointments to fill the roles, along with Cabinet Office Minister Steve Barclay, who has taken the chief of staff role.

Asked about the shake-up at No 10, Mr Johnson told reporters on Monday: "Everybody at No 10 and the Treasury are working together in harmony to deal with the big problems the country faces."

But Sir Keir reiterated his calls for the PM to resign, saying: "Nothing will really change until the person at the top changes as all routes lead to the prime minister and that's the change we need to see now."

Mr Harri revealed he went to see Mr Johnson in Downing Street on Friday about his new role, entering through the Cabinet Office "to avoid been seen in the street".

He said the former colleagues "picked up where we left off in terms of the tone of our friendship", with him giving a salute upon entering the room and saying: "Prime minister, Guto Harri reporting for duty."

The new director of communications said the PM "stood up from behind his desk and started to salute, but then said, 'what am I doing, I should take the knee for you'."

Mr Harri quit GB News last year, after he was suspended for taking the knee during a discussion about racism towards England's black footballers.

In his account of Friday's interview, Mr Harri added: "I then asked, 'are you going to survive Boris?' and he said in his deep voice, slowly and with purpose, whilst singing a little as he finished his sentence 'I will survive'.

"Inevitably he was inviting me to say, 'you've got all your life to live', and he answered, 'I've got all my love to give', so we had a little blast of Gloria Gaynor.

"No one expects that, but that's how it was."

Labour criticised the new communications chief's interview, with a spokesman saying: "The PM's new team have decided to kick off their much-vaunted 'reset' with yet more clown show nonsense.

"It's already clear that another round of deckchair shuffling in Downing Street hasn't changed the fact this Tory government is utterly incapable of getting on with its job."

But a No 10 spokesman said Mr Harri was "firmly committed to the government's agenda".

Mr Harri said the PM was "bringing in professional people" to No 10 who were "pragmatic and more experienced and maybe less ideological" than those that came before him.

He also said Mr Johnson "talks non stop" about his policy focuses, like "making a success of Brexit" and levelling up.

But he also said the PM was aware of the challenges ahead, adding: "He's aware of the hurt the talk of parties has caused, that it has shaken people's trust in government and politics in general, and of the questions about his ability to continue as prime minister.

"He has to persuade his party and the wider public that he's still a man that won a comfortable majority as recently as two years ago."

Labour has raised questions about hiring Mr Harri after it emerged he had worked with the Chinese technology company Huawei.

Many western countries, including the UK, are removing Huawei equipment from their telecoms networks because of the security risk posed by the firm, which has close ties to China's ruling Communist Party.

Labour's deputy leader, Angela Rayner, said there needed to be full transparency about his previous roles, including as a lobbyist.

But a No 10 spokesman: "We wouldn't exclude from government someone with valuable experience and expertise."

They said Mr Harri had "provided advice to clients of a private company" which was "entirely legitimate and in the public domain".

And they said anyone coming to work in No 10 "goes through requisite checks" regarding security.
 
Boris Johnson sang 'I Will Survive' to new communications chief Guto Harri

Boris Johnson told his new director of communications Guto Harri, "I will survive", by singing him lines from the Gloria Gaynor song as he appointed him to the post.

Mr Harri was hired after a string of resignations from No 10 amid turmoil over parties held during lockdowns.

The aide told a Welsh news website he had seen the PM on Friday afternoon.

He also said his new boss was "not a complete clown" but "a very likeable character".

Mr Harri told Golwg 360 that after exchanging lines from the 1970s disco hit, and "a lot of laughing", he and Mr Johnson had "sat down to have a serious discussion about how to get the government back on track and how we move forward".

He added: "90% of our discussion was very serious but he's a character and there is fun to be had. He's not the devil like some have mischaracterised him."


Mr Johnson has been under increasing pressure from his party - including calls to resign from MPs - after revelations that numerous rule-breaking gatherings were held in Downing Street during Covid lockdowns.

An initial report into the parties by senior civil servant Sue Gray said there had been "a failure of leadership", leading to the PM promising a shake-up of staff.

Five aides resigned from No 10 last week, three of whom had been linked to the lockdown events in Downing Street.

But Munira Mirza, one of the PM's longest standing allies, quit in objection to the PM's false claim that Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer failed to prosecute Jimmy Savile.

Mr Harri was one of the first new appointments to fill the roles, along with Cabinet Office Minister Steve Barclay, who has taken the chief of staff role.

The BBC understands Mr Barclay addressed No 10 staff - including cleaners and security - on Monday to set out his vision for Downing Street.

He said he wanted to focus on the prime minister's priorities and thanked staff for their hard work during "the difficult recent weeks".

Asked about the shake-up at No 10, Mr Johnson told reporters on Monday: "Everybody at No 10 and the Treasury are working together in harmony to deal with the big problems the country faces."

But Sir Keir reiterated his calls for the PM to resign, saying: "Nothing will really change until the person at the top changes as all routes lead to the prime minister and that's the change we need to see now."

When asked about the uncertainty over Mr Johnson's leadership, former foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt said the recent turmoil had "affected trust people feel in the entire political process".

"I've received 700 letters as a constituency MP," Mr Hunt told the BBC.

Guto Harri turned up for work in Downing Street for the first time brandishing a plastic bag and a grin.

He said it was full of "healthy snacks and mineral water," seemingly a jokey reference to the less wholesome refreshments swigged inside earlier in the pandemic.

The bag said "reuse and repeat" on its side - an instruction Boris Johnson has followed in hiring Mr Harri, who worked for him when he was Mayor of London.

Already the former journalist was becoming the story, and before the morning was out he was more of it.

In sharing a private conversation and describing his new boss as "not a complete clown" in an interview, here's a head of communications not entirely unnerved by the prospect of publicity.

But he's also someone who has known Boris Johnson for decades, respects what he's trying to do in government and knows his strengths - and weaknesses - close up, better than most.

"Boris has always underestimated how critical it is to have a fantastic team around him," Mr Harri recently told the BBC's Newscast podcast.

Hey presto, days later - he's part of that team.

It'll be up to others to judge over time how fantastic or otherwise they are.

Presentational grey line
Mr Harri revealed he had seen Mr Johnson in Downing Street on Friday about his new role, entering through the Cabinet Office "to avoid being seen in the street".

He said the former colleagues "picked up where we left off in terms of the tone of our friendship", with him giving a salute upon entering the room and saying: "Prime minister, Guto Harri reporting for duty."

The new director of communications said the PM "stood up from behind his desk and started to salute, but then said, 'What am I doing? I should take the knee for you.'"

Mr Harri quit GB News last year, after he was suspended for taking the knee during a discussion about racism towards England's black footballers.

In his account of Friday's interview, Mr Harri added: "I then asked, 'are you going to survive Boris?' and he said in his deep voice, slowly and with purpose, whilst singing a little as he finished his sentence, 'I will survive'.

"Inevitably he was inviting me to say, 'you've got all your life to live', and he answered, 'I've got all my love to give', so we had a little blast of Gloria Gaynor.

"No one expects that, but that's how it was."

In a tweet, Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon criticised the exchange, which she said wasn't "funny" but "offensive" at a time when people were struggling with Covid and the cost of living.

Labour echoed those sentiments, with a spokesman saying: "The PM's new team have decided to kick off their much-vaunted 'reset' with yet more clown-show nonsense."

But a No 10 spokesman said Mr Harri was "firmly committed to the government's agenda".

Mr Harri said the PM was "bringing in professional people" to No 10 who were "pragmatic and more experienced and maybe less ideological" than those that came before him.

He also said Mr Johnson "talks non-stop" about his policy focuses, like "making a success of Brexit" and levelling up.

But he also said the PM was aware of the challenges ahead, adding: "He's aware of the hurt the talk of parties has caused, that it has shaken people's trust in government and politics in general, and of the questions about his ability to continue as prime minister.

"He has to persuade his party and the wider public that he's still a man that won a comfortable majority as recently as two years ago."

Huawei links
Labour has raised questions about hiring Mr Harri after it emerged he had worked with the Chinese technology company Huawei.

Many Western countries, including the UK, are removing Huawei equipment from their telecoms networks because of the security risk posed by the firm, which has close ties to China's ruling Communist Party.

Labour's deputy leader, Angela Rayner, said there needed to be full transparency about his previous roles, including as a lobbyist.

But a No 10 spokesman: "We wouldn't exclude from government someone with valuable experience and expertise."

They said Mr Harri had "provided advice to clients of a private company" which was "entirely legitimate and in the public domain".

And they said anyone coming to work in No 10 "goes through requisite checks" regarding security.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-60289339
 
Nicola Sturgeon says Boris Johnson 'knew what he was doing'

The Scottish first minister has hit out at Boris Johnson after Sir Keir Starmer faced abuse from a group of far-right protesters yesterday.

Nicola Sturgeon said the incident had happened due to a "toxic cocktail of conspiracy theories, smears and lies that swirl around our politics now".

Last week, Mr Johnson had falsely claimed the Labour leader failed to prosecute Jimmy Savile - and when Mr Starmer was surrounded last night, protesters had shouted "Jimmy Savile".

Ms Sturgeon said the prime minister "knew what he was doing" as he is "many things but he's not naive".

Mr Johnson would have had "full knowledge that that can and does stir up the kind of abuse and hatred", she said.

She also repeated her call from last night for the prime minister to withdraw his comments in full, saying he should do so if he has "a single shred of decency".
 
Picture published of Boris Johnson and bubbly at No 10 quiz

A photo has been published showing Boris Johnson standing next to a bottle of bubbly at what appears to be a Christmas event in Downing Street.

Published by the Daily Mirror, the PM is pictured behind two staff, who are wearing tinsel and a Santa hat.

A third colleague is also in the room, with the open wine bottle and crisps on the desk in front of them.

The newspaper said the photo was taken on 15 December 2020 during a No 10 "virtual" Christmas quiz.

A picture from the same event was leaked to the Mirror last December, showing the PM sat at a table with two colleagues, but without any alcohol.

At the time, No 10 said the PM only "briefly took part virtually" to thank staff for their work during the pandemic.

On Wednesday, Mr Johnson's spokesman insisted the event was a "virtual quiz".

The Metropolitan Police is carrying out an investigation into rule breaking parties in Downing Street during the pandemic.

The police are looking into 12 gatherings specifically - some of which the PM attended - but the event on 15 December was not considered by the force to have reached the threshold for criminal investigation.

It was looked into as part of the independent inquiry into the parties by senior civil servant Sue Gray, who has only published her initial findings while the Met carries out its work.

No 10 but was unable to say whether the photograph had been submitted to Ms Gray in evidence, adding: "I'm not going to get into precise evidence but she obviously had access to all the evidence she needed."

Mr Johnson's former advisor, Dominic Cummings, claimed on Twitter that there were worse photos "floating around" which could still come to light.

Sources told the BBC invites were sent out in advance via email and, while some joined virtually, others were grouped together in a room.

At the time of the event, London was under Tier Two restrictions, which banned mixing of households indoors - apart from support bubbles - and allowed a maximum of six people to meet outside.

Official guidance said: "Although there are exemptions for work purposes, you must not have a work Christmas lunch or party, where that is a primarily social activity and is not otherwise permitted by the rules in your tier."

Labour MP Fabian Hamilton raised the picture with Mr Johnson during Prime Minister's Questions.

He said: "At the height of the lockdown restrictions in 2020, my constituent - who has worked for the NHS for over 30 years - was diagnosed with a tumour on her spine.

"Whilst in hospital, undergoing painful surgery, her family obeyed the rules and didn't visit her."

He asked the PM if as a result of the picture surfacing, and "for the sake of my constituent and the sacrifices she made", would he refer it to the police.

Mr Johnson said he was "very sorry" about Mr Hamilton's constituent and "the difficulties she has been through", but added: "What he has just said he is completely in error."

Labour's Gerald Jones tried again to get the PM to commit to referring the gathering to the police.

But Mr Johnson said the event had "already has been submitted for investigation".

Prime Minister's Questions has proven politically dangerous for Boris Johnson in recent weeks, so no doubt he was hoping to get through the last session before a parliamentary break unscathed - perhaps even bolster a bit of backbench support.

At the start, he made his announcement about ending Covid regulations early - which was bound to go down well with some Tory MPs.

However, half way through the Q&A MPs started to stare at their phones as news of the latest photograph of a Downing Street event started to spread.

Two Labour MPs asked the prime minister about the picture, which shows him in front of a computer near a tinsel-wearing official and an open bottle of booze.

The event - which Number 10 says was a virtual quiz - was already known about and is not one of those being investigated by the police.

But this photograph just goes to show however much No 10 might want to move on, there's no escape from the ongoing saga that has proved so damaging.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-60319602
 
Starmer has a pint, investigated, and is free of all ill, meanwhile Boris has a pint, and all hell breaks lose.

Starmer and his zionist backing is strong.
 
Police to email 50 people in Downing Street party inquiry


The Metropolitan Police will email more than 50 people as part of its inquiry into lockdown parties at Downing Street and Whitehall.

A questionnaire will be sent to people alleged to have been at events on eight dates between May 2020 and April 2021.

It will ask for their account of what happened and "must be answered truthfully", the Met said.

The force said it must be answered in seven days, but being contacted did not mean a fine would always be issued.

The police inquiry, called Operation Hillman, is examining 12 parties on the eight dates over the course of the pandemic - some of which the PM attended - to see if Covid regulations were broken.

It was launched after an inquiry by senior civil servant Sue Gray, who in her initial findings criticised "failures of leadership and judgement" over the gatherings in Downing Street and Whitehall and referred them to police.

The Met earlier announced it would also review its decision not to investigate another event, a Christmas quiz on 15 December 2020, after a picture of Boris Johnson was leaked to the press.

The photo, published by the Daily Mirror, showed the PM with three aides, two in tinsel and a Santa hat, with a bottle of sparkling wine.

A statement from police said: "The [Met] previously assessed this event and determined that on the basis of the evidence available at that time, it did not meet the threshold for criminal investigation.

"That assessment is now being reviewed."

The prime minister's former chief adviser, Dominic Cummings, said following the publication of the photo that "there's waaaaay better pics than that floating around", alleging that they included images of gatherings in Mr Johnson's flat.

Detectives investigating the parties are continuing to examine more than 500 documents and 300 images gathered as part of Ms Gray's inquiry, and the Met said it would be requesting further information from the Cabinet Office.

It said police might also contact further people in future if they were identified as having taken part in an event that potentially breached the regulations.

While being contacted does not necessarily mean a fixed penalty notice will be issued, the Met said that would "normally" happen where officers believed regulations had been breached without reasonable excuse.

It said in a statement: "We understand the interest in and impact of this case, and are progressing the investigation at pace.

"We are committed to completing our investigations proportionately, fairly and impartially."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-60327143
 
Apologies in advance for the crank post but this is starting to get a bit fishy imo. I’m no fan of Boris but the attacks on him are completely relentless. First it was the parties, then the police, then the Sue Gray report, then this “mobbing” of Sir Keir (which I found a bit curious and dodgy I’m afraid), and now more photos have conveniently been released. Every time he survives a scandal and doesn’t resign or get ousted, the next day a new story is out there in the press like magic. It does rather feel like a calculated plot is being unfurled from somewhere, and that it won’t stop until he does actually go.
 
James said:
Apologies in advance for the crank post but this is starting to get a bit fishy imo. I’m no fan of Boris but the attacks on him are completely relentless. First it was the parties, then the police, then the Sue Gray report, then this “mobbing” of Sir Keir (which I found a bit curious and dodgy I’m afraid), and now more photos have conveniently been released. Every time he survives a scandal and doesn’t resign or get ousted, the next day a new story is out there in the press like magic. It does rather feel like a calculated plot is being unfurled from somewhere, and that it won’t stop until he does actually go.
Click to expand...

It’s actually coming from the Tories. They need him to go before the next election so that the new candidate doesn’t get blamed for bungling brexit. If he goes in the next few months, then the new PM can steady the ship for 1.5 years before we have an election next year. However, if Boris stays too long, he will drag the Tory rating down so badly that they will not be able to recover eve for an election in 2024.

Labour should want him to stay for another year or year and a half at least. Tories would need him to go
 
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-60331189

<b>Johnson broke law over No 10 parties, says ex-PM Sir John Major</b>

Boris Johnson and his officials "broke lockdown laws" over parties held in Downing Street, Conservative former Prime Minister Sir John Major has said.

He accused the government of feeling it "need not obey the rules", adding: "Outright lies breed contempt."

Sir John's comments come while 12 gatherings are still being investigated by the Metropolitan Police.

Mr Johnson, who is coming under pressure to quit, said he was looking forward to the process being completed.

That would be "the time to say something" on the matter, the PM added, as he answered questions during a Nato conference in Brussels.

Downing Street declined to comment on the details of Sir John's criticism, with a spokesman saying: "People are free to give their opinions."

The Met is reviewing its previous decision not to investigate a Christmas quiz in No 10 in 2020, after the Mirror published a photograph of Mr Johnson with three aides - wearing tinsel and a Santa hat - near a bottle of sparkling wine.

It also announced on Wednesday that it was emailing more than 50 people as part of its existing inquiry into lockdown parties.

Mr Johnson - who is known to have attended three gatherings - and wife Carrie are among those expected to be contacted.

But Downing Street said the prime minister had so far not been approached and it would not discuss other individuals.

The Met said people emailed would not necessarily have to pay a fine, adding that this would "normally" happen where officers believed regulations had been breached without reasonable excuse.

But, in a speech to the Institute for Government think tank, Sir John said: "At No 10, the prime minister and officials broke lockdown laws.

"Brazen excuses were dreamed up. Day after day the public was asked to believe the unbelievable. Ministers were sent out to defend the indefensible - making themselves look gullible or foolish."

Sir John, in office from 1990 to 1997, added: "The prime minister and our present government not only challenge the law, but also seem to believe that they, and they alone, need not obey the rules, traditions, conventions - call them what you will - of public life.

"The charge that there is one law for the government, and one for everyone else is politically deadly - and it has struck home."

Sir John, who has previously criticised Mr Johnson over his handling of Brexit and called the government "politically corrupt" in its treatment of the House of Commons, said: "When ministers respond to legitimate questions with pre-prepared sound bites, or half-truths, or misdirection, or wild exaggeration, then respect for government and politics dies a little more."

He urged the prime minister to introduce a "fully independent" guardian of ethics in politics and new laws to limit political funding by individuals, companies and trade unions.

"Parliament is an echo chamber," he said.

"Lies can become accepted as fact, which...has consequences for policy and for reputation.

"That is why deliberate lies to Parliament have been fatal to political careers - and must always be so."

In a question and answer session after the speech, Sir John appeared to soften his claim that the prime minister had broken lockdown laws, saying there seemed "little doubt" they had been breached but that it would not be "prudent" to prejudge the police report.

Sir John also said it was wrong to take democracy for granted, as it had "shrunk a little" globally in recent years, and that the UK's reputation overseas had "fallen because of our conduct".

Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the SNP and some Conservative MPs have called for Mr Johnson to resign over the Downing Street gatherings.

If 54 Tory MPs write letters declaring no confidence in the prime minister, this will prompt a vote by all Tory MPs, which would see Mr Johnson ousted, should he lose.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said Sir John had shown "bravery", adding: "This damning criticism should act as a wake-up call to every Conservative MP who is sitting on their hands while Boris Johnson trashes the values that underpin our democracy."

The Met investigation began after Sue Gray, the senior civil servant looking into the gatherings, passed on her findings.

Her interim report criticised "failures of leadership and judgement" within government, while her full findings are expected to come out after the Met concludes its investigation.

Mr Johnson said; "That [Met investigation] process must be completed and I'm looking forward to it being completed, and that's the time to say something on that."

And Defence Secretary Ben Wallace told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "The prime minister has said he will be full and transparent. He will notify [the public] if he is receiving any form of fine et cetera."
 
A No. 10 spokesperson has confirmed the Prime Minister Boris Johnson has received a questionnaire from Metropolitan Police officers investigating alleged parties at Downing Street during lockdown.
 
PM refuses to say whether he will resign if found to have broken lockdown laws


Boris Johnson has refused to say whether he will resign if police found he has broken lockdown laws.

The prime minister has returned his questionnaire to the Metropolitan Police who are investigating Downing Street parties.

Asked in a BBC interview whether he would resign if police decide to take action, the PM said: "I can't comment about a process that is under way."

More than 50 people have been sent the document by the force.

Downing Street has not revealed what Mr Johnson said in his written response to the police, only that it was sent to them within the seven-day deadline before he travelled to Munich this weekend.

But Mr Johnson was pressed several times on the subject by Sophie Raworth in an interview for BBC One's Sunday Morning Programme. She asked whether he understood why so many people found his on-the-record explanations - including that he believed he was only attending work events - "implausible".

Mr Johnson said: "There is literally not a bean I can tell you about that."

He was asked if he was "burying" his "head in the sand" as he was being investigated by the police, had MPs calling on him to resign and might face a no-confidence vote.

Mr Johnson replied: "I am fortunate to live in a democracy. I am fortunate to be the PM of a free independent democratic country where people can take that sort of decision, and where I do face that sort of pressure, that's a wonderful thing."

The police investigation was launched in late January after an internal inquiry led by civil servant Sue Gray passed information to the force.

The initial findings of Ms Gray's inquiry criticised "failures of leadership and judgement" over the gatherings in Downing Street and Whitehall.

The police investigation, Operation Hillman, is examining 12 gatherings on eight dates - some of which the PM has already said he attended - to see if Covid regulations were broken.

The Met has said a fine would be issued to anyone found to have breached Covid regulations. A decision is not expected for weeks.

The questionnaire that was sent to Mr Johnson and scores of others requires an "account and explanation of the recipient's participation in an event", the Met has previously said.

The survey, sent by email, has the same status as information given in an interview under caution.

The Met said previously that it "must be answered truthfully".

'Do the right thing'
Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the SNP have all called for Mr Johnson to resign, as have some of his own Conservative MPs.

But Foreign Office minister James Cleverly told Sky News: "I don't think what the country needs now is a vacuum at the centre of government."

Asked if that meant he though the prime minister should not quit if fined over Downing Street parties, he replied: "That's exactly how you should take it."

But Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: "If he won't resign, Conservative MPs must do the right thing and sack him.

"For a sitting prime minister to be found guilty of breaking the law would be unprecedented and put to bed once and for all the Conservative Party's claim to be the party of law and order."


https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-60450444
 
At a news conference, Boris Johnson says he is not declaring victory over Covid, after announcing the end of all coronavirus related restrictions in England.
 
<b>Partygate: Met Police to issue first fines, sources say</b>

The first fines for breaches of Covid-19 rules as part of a police investigation into government lockdown parties will be issued soon, the BBC has been told.

Westminster sources suggested the force will issue at least 15 fines initially.

The Metropolitan Police investigation into 12 events held across government was launched in late January.

It came after an internal inquiry passed information to the force. The Guardian said fines were "imminent".

The Met has not commented and Downing Street has been approached for comment.

Government sources told the BBC the Met could issue the fines on Tuesday.

For months, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his government were dogged by reports of staff parties in Downing Street when Covid restrictions were in place.

The police investigation was launched after a separate inquiry was undertaken by senior civil servant Sue Gray.

Of the 16 alleged parties or gatherings listed in her initial findings, the police are investigating all but four of them.

The policy inquiry, called Operation Hillman, is examining 12 gatherings on eight dates to see if Covid regulations were broken.

Mr Johnson is known to have attended at least three of the gatherings.

He has said he did not believe he was breaking any rules, but apologised "for the things we simply didn't get right".

The Met said it would contact people "believed to have taken part in the events in question to get their accounts".

The force had sent questionnaires to dozens of staff members, aides and ministers, including Mr Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak.

Officers have already been supplied with more than 300 photographs and 500 pages of material, from the inquiry led by Ms Gray.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-60906757
 
And after a brief moment of respite, the bell could once again be tolling for Boris.
 
Boris Johnson has refused to admit to criminality in Downing Street as he was grilled by MPs after fines were issued over the police's partygate investigation.

The prime minister came under pressure, during questions from the Commons liaison committee, to concede that this week's announcement of 20 fixed penalty notices by the Met Police meant that the law had been broken.

SKY
 
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