Photographed with a filled glass
New party photos weigh on Boris Johnson
May 23, 2022, 7:37 p.m
The entire “Partygate” investigation report is still under lock and key, but new photos of a British prime minister toasting are causing a sensation in London. Finally, they question Johnson’s defense at the lockdown meetings.
New explosive photos are putting pressure on Prime Minister Boris Johnson shortly before the release of the full investigative report into illegal lockdown parties in Downing Street. The one from the British broadcaster Images released by ITV show Johnson with a filled glass in hand, several others present holding glasses in the air to toast. On the table, which can be seen in the middle of the photos, there are several open bottles of wine and champagne. The pictures are said to have been taken at the farewell party for Johnson’s former communications chief Lee Cain in November 2020, according to ITV. These recordings challenge Johnson’s defense of failing to recognize that the gatherings were parties.
The final investigative report into the “Partygate” affair about banned parties in Downing Street during the Corona lockdown is to be published this week. Opposition leader Keir Starmer accused the government of already undermining the report by top official Sue Gray. Johnson himself declined to comment on questions about the forthcoming report and its implications, saying he would say more after publication.
In the past few days, it has become known that there has been at least one meeting between Officer Gray and Johnson to discuss the report. Both sides initially blamed each other for calling the meeting. Most recently, Downing Street admitted to having arranged such an appointment. A government secretary defended the conversation, saying it had to be clarified which names and photos could be published in the report.
The police investigation into the lockdown parties has now been completed. Around 120 fines were imposed, but Prime Minister Boris Johnson only had to pay for one party, despite attending several events. The investigation report could further weaken his position in his party and in office. An abridged version of the report published a few months ago accused those responsible of leadership failure and serious misconduct.