“Partygate”: in an attempt to save his skin, Boris Johnson will clean up 10 Downing Street

While he has just experienced one of the worst weeks of his term since he took power in 2019, Boris Johnson wants to save his skin. The British Prime Minister will tackle the “underlying culture” in Downing Street having allowed several parties in full confinement, said Sunday one of his ministers, the head of the British government seeking to raise the bar after seeing his popularity plummet.

Accused by the opposition of having “broken the law”, “BoJo” is preparing to announce measures including the banning of alcohol in Downing Street offices and the dismissal of several of its collaborators, according to the Sunday Times.

“I can assure you that the Prime Minister is contrite and deeply sorry for what happened”Oliver Dowden, chairman of the Conservative Party and minister without portfolio, told the BBC when asked about the celebrations. “But, more importantly, he is determined to ensure that this cannot happen and that we tackle the underlying culture in Downing Street”he continued.

Sue Gray, a senior civil servant, is currently investigating this series of festive events organized in the Prime Minister’s residence, which is also his place of work. Oliver Dowden assured that once Sue Gray’s report is delivered, Boris Johnson will assume responsibility “full responsibility”.

On Wednesday January 12, the head of government apologized to MPs in the House of Commons, but new revelations have since continued to emerge, such as the maintenance of“Friday aperitifs” in Downing Street during the pandemic, despite restrictions prohibiting such gatherings. There were also revelations about a very alcoholic party on the eve of Prince Philip’s funeral and that while confinement was in progress and the country was observing national mourning.

Sunday, the Telegram featured on the front page a photo of the Prime Minister’s wife, Carrie Johnson, hugging a friend at a party in September 2020, in apparent breach of distancing rules at the time. The Prime Minister’s companion expressed her regrets through the voice of a spokesperson.

At least six MPs from his side have publicly called for his departure including Tim Loughton who said on Twitter that his position was “untenable”. “His resignation is the only way to end this whole unfortunate episode and I am working with colleagues to make that point clear to Downing Street.”, he wrote on the social network. To trigger a vote of no confidence and dislodge Boris Johnson, they would have to be at least 54 Tory deputies.

Partygate benefits Labor, which has a ten-point lead over the Conservatives according to several opinion polls published this week. The scandal has dented Boris Johnson’s popularity in his electorate, which mixes traditional conservatives and pro-Brexit working classes. According to an Opinium poll for the newspaper The Observer published on Sunday, 46% of pro-Brexit voters who voted for the Conservatives in 2019 think he should quit, compared to 39% who want him to stay. Boris Johnson’s popularity rating is at its lowest with 64% unfavorable opinions.