Scandals as his political future is at stake.
Boris Johnson, former prime minister of the United Kingdom denied wrongdoing during an inquiry into the Partygate scandal. This was the breach of Covid-19 protocols that his government committed, which led to his resignation.
During a televised hearing, Johnson was grilled by members of the Privileges committee of the House of Commons for three hours. The committee focused mainly on details surrounding a number of parties that were held at 10 Downing Street offices and in Johnson’s Downing Street apartment.
The committee focused its attention on one party that was intended to celebrate the departure from an employee. It claimed it violated national Covid-19 restrictions. Johnson disagreed and stated that the parties were held outdoors and generally followed social distancing guidelines.
Johnson stated to the committee that Johnson was unable to have a drill sergeant measure the distance between us at all hours of the night. He also admitted that social distancing protocols could have been broken.
The affable politician admitted that he had unintentionally misled parliament about various social events at 10 Downing Street. He said “hand on heart” that the House of Commons did not believe him. The loquacious politician then attacked Dominic Cummings, his former advisor and the main witness disputing Johnson’s testimony, saying “he has every motive for lying.”
Johnson’s argument was based mainly on Johnson’s belief that it was important to maintain morale through social gatherings and celebrating staff departures even during a deadly pandemic. Sir Bernard Jenkin, Conservative MP, pushed back.
Jenkin asked, “A leaving for everyone in the country was not acceptable according to the guidelines… so why was this acceptable and necessary work purposes in Number ten?”
Boris Johnson’s timeline from Partygate to Resignation
March 23, 2020: Johnson puts the UK under complete lockdown as the Covid-19 pandemic begins.
April 5, 2020: Johnson is admitted to the hospital for Covid-19. He is released seven days later.
May 15, 2020 – A gathering Wine and cheese are the main ingredients The event was held in the Downing Street Garden. Johnson claims that the guests were discussing work when a photo is leaked.
June 19, 2020: Johnson Has a birthday party In the Cabinet room. Up to 30 people can attend, including Rishi Sunak, the current prime minister.
November 13, 2020: Two parties Celebrate the departure of Dominic Cummings, senior advisor They are held in Johnson’s personal apartment and at Downing Street’s offices.
November 30, 2021 First breaking news about illegal partiesOpposition leaders called for an investigation into Johnson’s administration.
December 8, 2021: Johnson Authorizes an investigation What is now known as Partygate.
April 12, 2022 Johnson Is fined 50 Pounds Sterling ($63). London police were cited for violating lockdown regulations. Opposition leaders accuse him for being the first prime minister to violate the law in office.
May 22, 2022: The findings An investigation by lawmakers into Partygate This document details 16 gatherings at Johnson’s home and office.
June 6, 2022: Johnson A vote of no confidence survives narrowlyWith 41% of his party voting against him, he was elected.
July 7, 2022: Johnson Resigns as prime minister after several top ministers, including Sunak, quit.
March 22, 2023: Johnson testifies in an official parliamentary inquiry into the scandal. He hopes to be cleared of all charges and revitalized his political career.
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