When the UK was facing one of its tough crises during the COVID-19 outbreak, the then prime minister Boris Johnson, who was part of the infamous partygate saga, had reportedly joked about being at “the most unsocially distanced party in the UK right now”, an explosive new podcast by the ITV has revealed.

The claims came to the fore during the podcast aired titled ‘Partygate: The Inside Story’, which delves into Johnson’s long-held assertion that he was unaware rules had been broken within Number 10 during the lockdown.

It reports that a source said, “I was working late … I heard the prime minister speaking and that’s when I heard the quote: ‘This is the most unsocially distanced party in the UK right now’ and everyone was laughing about it.”

According to ITV, the whistleblowers told them that the staff shredded key documents and evidence about parties before senior bureaucrat Sue Gray was to probe the matter.

“There was a sense, and an implication, that we should start deleting evidence before there is an investigation. And a lot of people started shredding things. Any proof of the events started disappearing,” they said.

<h2>From Watergate to Partygate: Shorthand for scandal</h2>

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“[Awards from a Christmas party were] basically taken down, kept away, shredded, evidence destroyed. So there was an aspect of getting rid of evidence – just keeping yourself in the clear before an investigation would happen.”

The podcast further claims, quoting a senior Cabinet official, that Gray’s team probed half of the parties that occurred in the Downing Street.

The revelations come at a time when Johnson is due to appear before MPs on the Commons privileges committee about whether he misled the lawmakers about his awareness of the partygate. Inquiry hearings are expected to begin in February.

The partygate scandal was one of the major blots of Johnson’s political carrier, who had to eventually go after much hue and cry from the public following its revelation.

The Metropolitan Police had even fined the former PM for attending the parties while social distancing restrictions were in place.

(With inputs from agencies)

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When the UK was facing one of its tough crises during the COVID-19 outbreak, the then prime minister Boris Johnson, who was part of the infamous partygate saga, had reportedly joked about being at “the most unsocially distanced party in the UK right now”, an explosive new podcast by the ITV has revealed.

When the UK was facing one of its tough crises during the COVID-19 outbreak, the then prime minister Boris Johnson, who was part of the infamous partygate saga, had reportedly joked about being at “the most unsocially distanced party in the UK right now”, an explosive new podcast by the ITV has revealed. The claims came to the fore during the podcast aired titled ‘Partygate: The Inside Story’, which delves into Johnson’s long-held assertion that he was unaware rules had been broken within Number 10 during the lockdown. It reports that a source said, “I was working late … I heard the prime minister speaking and that’s when I heard the quote: ‘This is the most unsocially distanced party in the UK right now’ and everyone was laughing about it.” According to ITV, the whistleblowers told them that the staff shredded key documents and evidence about parties before senior bureaucrat Sue Gray was to probe the matter. “There was a sense, and an implication, that we should start deleting evidence before there is an investigation. And a lot of people started shredding things. Any proof of the events started disappearing,” they said. From Watergate to Partygate: Shorthand for scandal “[Awards from a Christmas party were] basically taken down, kept away, shredded, evidence destroyed. So there was an aspect of getting rid of evidence – just keeping yourself in the clear before an investigation would happen.” The podcast further claims, quoting a senior Cabinet official, that Gray’s team probed half of the parties that occurred in the Downing Street. The revelations come at a time when Johnson is due to appear before MPs on the Commons privileges committee about whether he misled the lawmakers about his awareness of the partygate. Inquiry hearings are expected to begin in February. The partygate scandal was one of the major blots of Johnson’s political carrier, who had to eventually go after much hue and cry from the public following its revelation. The Metropolitan Police had even fined the former PM for attending the parties while social distancing restrictions were in place. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Partygate: Johnson ‘joked about being at most unsocially distanced party in UK’

Britain's outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his wife hosted a wedding party at the Cotsworlds estate over a year after the couple got married.

The celebrations were earlier put off due to coronavirus restrictions in 2021. The party was hosted in Daylesford House belonging to Conservative donor and JCB chairman Lord Bamford. The event was attended by Johnson's father including his sister Rachel.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-wishes-to-wipe-away-his-departure-report-500639">Also Read:&nbsp;Boris Johnson wishes to 'wipe away' his departure</a>

Reports claim actor Holly Vallance along with Jacob Rees-Mogg and Nadine Dorries were present at the posh estate. However, the current frontrunner for the prime minister's post Liz Truss and rival Rishi Sunak were not present at the event. The party was reportedly held at the estate grounds in Gloucestershire inside a huge tent.

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Johnson's government was embroiled in the "partygate" row as pictures emerged he was present during various garden parties while the UK was under stringent coronavirus lockdown. Johnson later apologised for the "partygate" scandal after official investigations was launched, including by London's Metropolitan Police. Johnson's own party MPs called for his resignation.

Johnson who was prime minister for nearly three years had won the elections with a landslide in 2019. The Tory prime minister defiantly&nbsp;pushed back on resignation calls for months as pressure grew from all quarters for him to leave the post.

Johnson announced he was stepping down from the top post just days after winning the no-confidence motion from his own MPs last month as&nbsp;reports claimed over 40 MPs had voted against the prime minister.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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Britain's outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his wife hosted a wedding party at the Cotsworlds estate over a year after the couple got married. The celebrations were earlier put off due to coronavirus restrictions in 2021.

Britain's outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his wife hosted a wedding party at the Cotsworlds estate over a year after the couple got married. The celebrations were earlier put off due to coronavirus restrictions in 2021. The party was hosted in Daylesford House belonging to Conservative donor and JCB chairman Lord Bamford. The event was attended by Johnson's father including his sister Rachel. Also Read: Boris Johnson wishes to 'wipe away' his departure Reports claim actor Holly Vallance along with Jacob Rees-Mogg and Nadine Dorries were present at the posh estate. However, the current frontrunner for the prime minister's post Liz Truss and rival Rishi Sunak were not present at the event. The party was reportedly held at the estate grounds in Gloucestershire inside a huge tent. Watch: What is Boris Johnson leaving behind? Johnson's government was embroiled in the "partygate" row as pictures emerged he was present during various garden parties while the UK was under stringent coronavirus lockdown. Johnson later apologised for the "partygate" scandal after official investigations was launched, including by London's Metropolitan Police. Johnson's own party MPs called for his resignation. Johnson who was prime minister for nearly three years had won the elections with a landslide in 2019. The Tory prime minister defiantly pushed back on resignation calls for months as pressure grew from all quarters for him to leave the post. Johnson announced he was stepping down from the top post just days after winning the no-confidence motion from his own MPs last month as reports claimed over 40 MPs had voted against the prime minister. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Outgoing British PM Boris Johnson hosts wedding party at Conservative donor's estate

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that he will stay on as a caretaker Prime Minister until the Conservative party elects a new leader.

From Brexit to Exit: Londoners say 'Bye Bye Boris'

Boris Johnson's popularity outside of parliament has also been badly dented due to surging inflation and stagnation in the British Economy.

UK PM Boris Johnson leave an economic mess behind

Boris Johnson may be gone soon, but he has given us plenty to remember him by. Take a look at his best moments on WION's Boris Cam.

The Brexit-ball champ to no 'kidding' around: Best moments on WION's Boris Cam

Boris Johnson has stepped down as Prime Minister bringing his scandal-plagued tenure to an end after less than three years. The decision came after dozens of ministers quit his government.

UK: 'No one in politics in indispensable,' says PM Boris Johnson

While UK prime minister Boris Johnson has resigned, some people are having their share of laughter. A spoof account of UK's favorite cat Larry is emerging as Twitter's favorite.

A darling of the media: #LarryForPM trends on Twitter

As the pressure continues over UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Conservative Party as voting takes place in by-elections in two constituencies.

Johnson faces double verdict: Will ongoing railway strike influence voters?

A break-in 50 years ago by Republican operatives at a Washington office led to the historic resignation of US president Richard Nixon. But it reverberated more deeply around the world with the coining of a single term: Watergate. That's the name of a Potomac riverside building as that building lent its name to one of the greatest American political crimes. The suffix 'gate' became the signifier for scandals worldwide.

From Watergate to Partygate: Shorthand for scandal

UK PM Boris Johnson's chief ethics adviser has resigned. Now, the 10 downing street is going to review the ethics adviser role. Johnson is mulling scrapping the role of ethics adviser altogether.

UK PM Boris Johnson's chief ethics adviser resigns: 'No ethics in 10 downing street'

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s second ethics advisor Lord Geidt resigned on Wednesday without an explanation. He was known to be unhappy with the prime minister's handling of Partygate and had suggested he may have broken the ministerial code. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Johnson last week survived a confidence ballot that saw 41% of his lawmakers vote against his leadership after months of scandals and gaffes that have raised questions over his authority to govern and knocked his standing with the public.

Christopher Geidt, the independent adviser on ministers' interests, last month said Johnson must explain why he thought he had not broken the ministerial code after being fined over attending a party during the COVID-19 national lockdown.&nbsp;

"With regret, I feel that it is right that I am resigning from my post," Geidt said in a statement posted on the government's website.

Geidt, whose role was to advise Johnson on matters relating to the ministerial code of conduct, did not give a reason for his resignation. The government said it was surprised by Geidt's decision.

"Whilst we are disappointed, we thank Lord Geidt for his public service. We will appoint a new adviser in due course," a government spokesperson said.

Geidt, the Queen's Private Secretary for 10 years until 2017, was appointed by Johnson in April 2021. The previous holder of the role resigned in 2020 in protest at Johnson's support for a minister who was found to have broken the code.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-sheep-fire-flames-engulf-dense-vegetation-in-southern-california-488426">&nbsp;In pics: Sheep fire flames engulf dense vegetation in southern California</a>

"The Prime Minister has now driven both of his own hand-picked ethics advisers to resign in despair. If even they can't defend his conduct in office, how can anyone believe he is fit to govern?" opposition Labour Party Deputy Leader Angela Rayner said.

Geidt last year called for his role to have greater authority and independence, but when the government updated the ministerial code last month it said that, while he could now initiate an investigation, he was still required to consult the prime minister.

He had also previously criticised the fact that an exchange of messages had not been disclosed to him when investigating who funded a costly refurbishment of Johnson's Downing Street flat.

(with inputs from agencies) 
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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s second ethics advisor Lord Geidt resigned on Wednesday without an explanation. He was known to be unhappy with the prime minister's handling of Partygate and had suggested he may have broken the ministerial code.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s second ethics advisor Lord Geidt resigned on Wednesday without an explanation. He was known to be unhappy with the prime minister's handling of Partygate and had suggested he may have broken the ministerial code. Johnson last week survived a confidence ballot that saw 41% of his lawmakers vote against his leadership after months of scandals and gaffes that have raised questions over his authority to govern and knocked his standing with the public. Christopher Geidt, the independent adviser on ministers' interests, last month said Johnson must explain why he thought he had not broken the ministerial code after being fined over attending a party during the COVID-19 national lockdown. "With regret, I feel that it is right that I am resigning from my post," Geidt said in a statement posted on the government's website. Geidt, whose role was to advise Johnson on matters relating to the ministerial code of conduct, did not give a reason for his resignation. The government said it was surprised by Geidt's decision. "Whilst we are disappointed, we thank Lord Geidt for his public service. We will appoint a new adviser in due course," a government spokesperson said. Geidt, the Queen's Private Secretary for 10 years until 2017, was appointed by Johnson in April 2021. The previous holder of the role resigned in 2020 in protest at Johnson's support for a minister who was found to have broken the code. Also Read: In pics: Sheep fire flames engulf dense vegetation in southern California "The Prime Minister has now driven both of his own hand-picked ethics advisers to resign in despair. If even they can't defend his conduct in office, how can anyone believe he is fit to govern?" opposition Labour Party Deputy Leader Angela Rayner said. Geidt last year called for his role to have greater authority and independence, but when the government updated the ministerial code last month it said that, while he could now initiate an investigation, he was still required to consult the prime minister. He had also previously criticised the fact that an exchange of messages had not been disclosed to him when investigating who funded a costly refurbishment of Johnson's Downing Street flat. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Boris Johnson’s second ethics advisor resigns in less than two years

After facing a series of controversies for allegedly holding lockdown parties, UK PM Boris Johnson braced the confidence vote but emerged victorious.

UK PM Boris Johnson wins confidence vote: Time calls Johnson a 'wounded victor'

UK PM Boris Johnson wins confidence vote & welcomes 'decisive result'

UK PM Boris Johnson wins confidence vote but resignation calls continue amid partygate row

The fate of Prime Minister Boris Johnson will be decided sooner than anyone thought it has been confirmed that tory MPs will hold a no-confidence motion against Johnson today.

UK Partygate scandal: Boris Johnson to face vote on his leadership

Boris Johnson, 'the man who always gets away with it' wins no-confidence vote

UK PM Boris Johnson has won the crucial confidence vote in British Parliament. The vote was triggered by his own Conservative Party over the 'partygate'; alochol fuelled parties organised at Johnson's Downing Street residence when much of Britain was under strict Covid lockdown. The partygate had caused great backlash against Boris Johnson. The British premier had to repeatedly apologise to the parliament.

Johnson got support from 211 MPs while 148 MPs said that they did not have confidence in him.

Johnson's position appeared perilous in the run up to the vote as several Conservative MPs had submitted letters calling on Johnson to resign from the position of prime minister. However, he appears to have averted the danger to his post.

A total of 180 votes were enough to ensure survival of Johnson.

Reuters had reported in the run up to the vote that Johnson enjoyed support from 145 Conservative MPs.

Things looked tough for Johnson as 'partygate scandal' had tarnished his public image. He was booed at a ceremony two days ago during celebrations of Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee.

Johnson had tried to keep a brave face in the run up to the confidence vote

A spokesperson for Johnson's Downing Street office had said the vote would "allow the government to draw a line and move on" and that the prime minister welcomed the opportunity to make his case to lawmakers.

(With inputs from agencies)

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UK PM Boris Johnson has won the crucial confidence vote in British Parliament. The vote was triggered by his own Conservative Party over the 'partygate'; alochol fuelled parties organised at Johnson's Downing Street residence when much of Britain was under strict Covid lockdown.

UK PM Boris Johnson has won the crucial confidence vote in British Parliament. The vote was triggered by his own Conservative Party over the 'partygate'; alochol fuelled parties organised at Johnson's Downing Street residence when much of Britain was under strict Covid lockdown. The partygate had caused great backlash against Boris Johnson. The British premier had to repeatedly apologise to the parliament. Johnson got support from 211 MPs while 148 MPs said that they did not have confidence in him. Johnson's position appeared perilous in the run up to the vote as several Conservative MPs had submitted letters calling on Johnson to resign from the position of prime minister. However, he appears to have averted the danger to his post. A total of 180 votes were enough to ensure survival of Johnson. Reuters had reported in the run up to the vote that Johnson enjoyed support from 145 Conservative MPs. Things looked tough for Johnson as 'partygate scandal' had tarnished his public image. He was booed at a ceremony two days ago during celebrations of Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee. Johnson had tried to keep a brave face in the run up to the confidence vote A spokesperson for Johnson's Downing Street office had said the vote would "allow the government to draw a line and move on" and that the prime minister welcomed the opportunity to make his case to lawmakers. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

UK PM Boris Johnson wins confidence vote, 'partygate' fails to oust him

At least 145 British lawmakers from Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservative Party had publicly indicated support for him ahead of a confidence vote over his leadership on Monday, a Reuters tally showed.

A total of 180 votes would be enough to ensure he survives the leadership challenge. The ballot will be secret and there is no guarantee lawmakers will vote in line with their public statements.

The vote is due to commence at 6 p.m. (1700 GMT), with a result expected at 9 p.m.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-updates-british-pm-boris-johnson-faces-no-confidence-vote-today-485627">Check out the LIVE updates here</a>

Johnson, who scored a sweeping election victory in 2019, has been under increasing pressure after he and staff held alcohol-fuelled parties in his Downing Street office and residence when Britain was under strict lockdowns due to COVID-19.

Should he lose the vote, a leadership contest would follow to decide his replacement, which could take several weeks.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-boris-johnson-suffered-a-stunning-political-reversal-485707">How Boris Johnson suffered a stunning political reversal</a>

In what might concern Johnson's team, he said he was not aware of "any orchestrated campaign" to oust the prime minister, which suggests a more spontaneous rebellion than ones that have felled leaders in the past.

A spokesperson for Johnson's Downing Street office said the vote would "allow the government to draw a line and move on" and that the prime minister welcomed the opportunity to make his case to lawmakers.

(With inputs from agencies)

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At least 145 British lawmakers from Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservative Party had publicly indicated support for him ahead of a confidence vote over his leadership on Monday, a Reuters tally showed.

At least 145 British lawmakers from Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservative Party had publicly indicated support for him ahead of a confidence vote over his leadership on Monday, a Reuters tally showed. A total of 180 votes would be enough to ensure he survives the leadership challenge. The ballot will be secret and there is no guarantee lawmakers will vote in line with their public statements. The vote is due to commence at 6 p.m. (1700 GMT), with a result expected at 9 p.m. Check out the LIVE updates here Johnson, who scored a sweeping election victory in 2019, has been under increasing pressure after he and staff held alcohol-fuelled parties in his Downing Street office and residence when Britain was under strict lockdowns due to COVID-19. Should he lose the vote, a leadership contest would follow to decide his replacement, which could take several weeks. Also Read | How Boris Johnson suffered a stunning political reversal In what might concern Johnson's team, he said he was not aware of "any orchestrated campaign" to oust the prime minister, which suggests a more spontaneous rebellion than ones that have felled leaders in the past. A spokesperson for Johnson's Downing Street office said the vote would "allow the government to draw a line and move on" and that the prime minister welcomed the opportunity to make his case to lawmakers. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

UK PM Boris Johnson enjoys support from at least 145 lawmakers: Report

The partygate controversy in the UK is snowballing. After facing backlashes from his own party members, UK PM Boris Johnson prepares to win over critics.

Unhappy Tory MPs prepare to oust UK PM Boris Johnson

When Boris Johnson won a landslide election victory for his Conservative Party in 2019, he loomed as a colossus over British politics, the man who had redrawn the country’s political map with a vow to “get Brexit done.”

With an 80-seat majority in Parliament, the greatest amassed by a Conservative leader since Margaret Thatcher in 1987, Johnson seemed assured of five years in power. Some analysts predicted a comfortable decade in No. 10 Downing St. for Johnson, the most reliable vote-getter in British politics.

Now, less than three years after that triumph, Johnson’s future was hanging by a thread Monday. Rebels in his party have called for a no-confidence vote that could cost him his job; even if he wins and clings to his position, it could cripple him as an effective and credible leader. He faces that vote from his own party Monday night.

It is one of the most head-spinning reversals of fortune in modern British political history. What happened?

To some extent, Johnson’s standing crumbled because of the same baffling mix of strengths and foibles that propelled his rise: rare political intuition offset by breathtaking personal recklessness; a sense of history that was not matched by a corresponding sense of how he should conduct himself as a leader; uncanny people skills vitiated by a transactional style that earned him few allies and left him isolated at dangerous moments.

It is that last quality, analysts say, that made Johnson so vulnerable to the setbacks he has suffered. With no underlying ideology beyond Brexit and no network of political friends, the prime minister lost the support of lawmakers in his party when it became clear they could not count on him to win the next election.

“Johnson’s such an accomplished escape artist, and his colleagues so craven and cowardly that you can’t rule out him living to fight another day,” said Tim Bale, a professor of politics at the Queen Mary University of London. “But for what precisely? ‘There’s no there there,’ as the saying goes.”

Johnson, after all, is the politician who decided to back Brexit after writing two columns — one making the case for leaving the European Union; the other arguing against it — the night before announcing his position. He won in 2019 by promising to “Get Brexit done,” but having accomplished that goal within months of the election, he often seemed like a prime minister without a plan.

Events, as another British prime minister, Harold Macmillan, once put it, have also played a role. Like other world leaders, Johnson was thrown off course by the coronavirus pandemic, his government upended by a rolling health crisis, in which he played a highly visible but not always reassuring role.

Johnson reacted late to the looming threat of the virus, imposing a lockdown on the country a week after neighbouring European countries. That delay, critics argued, made the first wave of the pandemic worse in Britain than elsewhere. In April 2020, with the virus circulating in Downing Street, Johnson himself contracted COVID-19, ended up in an intensive care unit and nearly died.

But Johnson also pushed for Britain to be a pioneer in developing a vaccine. When Oxford University and AstraZeneca produced one, he rolled it out faster than almost any other major country. He also made a fateful decision — one later copied by other leaders — to reopen society after a significant percentage of the population had been vaccinated. Britons, he said, must learn to live with COVID.

It was during the darkest days of the pandemic that the seeds of Johnson’s current troubles were sown. While the rest of the country was enduring stifling lockdowns, the prime minister and his top aides were taking part in social gatherings at Downing Street that violated their own lockdown restrictions.

The first reports of illicit parties emerged late last November, prompting Johnson to issue a blanket denial that any laws had been broken. A subsequent police investigation found that was not true: Johnson himself was fined for attending his own birthday party in violation of the rules.

Allies of Johnson argue that “Partygate,” as the London tabloids nicknamed it, is a trivial distraction at a time when Europe is confronting its first major land war since World War II. The prime minister swiftly staked out a position as Ukraine’s staunchest defender, shipping powerful weapons to its army and placing regular phone calls to his new friend, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

At first, the war eclipsed the scandal, giving Johnson the chance to wrap himself in a statesman’s mantle. But as the fighting ground on, disenchantment resurfaced at home. London’s Metropolitan Police levied fines, and an internal investigation by a senior civil servant painted a lurid portrait of partying in the heart of government.

The taint of moral hypocrisy corroded the prime minister’s popularity with the public. On Friday, when he and his wife Carrie Johnson climbed the steps to St. Paul’s Cathedral for a thanksgiving service in honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s 70 years on the throne, he was roundly booed by the crowd. It was an omen.

Beyond that, the economic winds began blowing against Johnson. The supply-chain disruptions from the pandemic — combined with price shocks on food and fuel after Russia’s invasion — drove inflation into double digits and raised the spectre of “stagflation.”

The last time Britain faced that, its Labour government went down to a crushing defeat against Thatcher’s Conservatives. The prospect of history repeating itself helps explain why lawmakers are turning against Johnson.

The 2019 Conservative victory was fueled by winning seats in longtime Labour districts in the country’s Midlands and industrial north, known colloquially as the “red wall.” But as Johnson himself acknowledged after the victory, the Tories had rented these seats, not won them in perpetuity.

Instead of appealing to those new Tory voters with innovative policies, Johnson lurched from scandal to scandal. In addition to Partygate, the prime minister became embroiled in an uproar over the expensive refurbishment of his apartment in Downing Street, which was funded by a Conservative donor.

He defended a Conservative lawmaker who was accused of lobbying improperly while in office and then had to back down, a humiliating setback that presaged some of the troubles to come within his own party. He got caught up in a vicious and damaging public feud with his former chief adviser, Dominic Cummings.

By themselves, these issues might not have been enough to trip up a politician known for his Houdini-like escapes. But against an economic backdrop that the head of the Bank of England described as “apocalyptic,” they contributed to fears in the party that the Conservatives face a ferocious voter backlash.

“All we can say with any level of certainty is that ordinary Brits are going to find it tough going economically for the rest of this year — and probably well into the next,” Bale said. “And that spells trouble for the Tories, Johnson or no Johnson.”

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When Boris Johnson won a landslide election victory for his Conservative Party in 2019, he loomed as a colossus over British politics, the man who had redrawn the country’s political map with a vow to “get Brexit done.

When Boris Johnson won a landslide election victory for his Conservative Party in 2019, he loomed as a colossus over British politics, the man who had redrawn the country’s political map with a vow to “get Brexit done.” With an 80-seat majority in Parliament, the greatest amassed by a Conservative leader since Margaret Thatcher in 1987, Johnson seemed assured of five years in power. Some analysts predicted a comfortable decade in No. 10 Downing St. for Johnson, the most reliable vote-getter in British politics. Now, less than three years after that triumph, Johnson’s future was hanging by a thread Monday. Rebels in his party have called for a no-confidence vote that could cost him his job; even if he wins and clings to his position, it could cripple him as an effective and credible leader. He faces that vote from his own party Monday night. It is one of the most head-spinning reversals of fortune in modern British political history. What happened? To some extent, Johnson’s standing crumbled because of the same baffling mix of strengths and foibles that propelled his rise: rare political intuition offset by breathtaking personal recklessness; a sense of history that was not matched by a corresponding sense of how he should conduct himself as a leader; uncanny people skills vitiated by a transactional style that earned him few allies and left him isolated at dangerous moments. It is that last quality, analysts say, that made Johnson so vulnerable to the setbacks he has suffered. With no underlying ideology beyond Brexit and no network of political friends, the prime minister lost the support of lawmakers in his party when it became clear they could not count on him to win the next election. “Johnson’s such an accomplished escape artist, and his colleagues so craven and cowardly that you can’t rule out him living to fight another day,” said Tim Bale, a professor of politics at the Queen Mary University of London. “But for what precisely? ‘There’s no there there,’ as the saying goes.” Johnson, after all, is the politician who decided to back Brexit after writing two columns — one making the case for leaving the European Union; the other arguing against it — the night before announcing his position. He won in 2019 by promising to “Get Brexit done,” but having accomplished that goal within months of the election, he often seemed like a prime minister without a plan. Events, as another British prime minister, Harold Macmillan, once put it, have also played a role. Like other world leaders, Johnson was thrown off course by the coronavirus pandemic, his government upended by a rolling health crisis, in which he played a highly visible but not always reassuring role. Johnson reacted late to the looming threat of the virus, imposing a lockdown on the country a week after neighbouring European countries. That delay, critics argued, made the first wave of the pandemic worse in Britain than elsewhere. In April 2020, with the virus circulating in Downing Street, Johnson himself contracted COVID-19, ended up in an intensive care unit and nearly died. But Johnson also pushed for Britain to be a pioneer in developing a vaccine. When Oxford University and AstraZeneca produced one, he rolled it out faster than almost any other major country. He also made a fateful decision — one later copied by other leaders — to reopen society after a significant percentage of the population had been vaccinated. Britons, he said, must learn to live with COVID. It was during the darkest days of the pandemic that the seeds of Johnson’s current troubles were sown. While the rest of the country was enduring stifling lockdowns, the prime minister and his top aides were taking part in social gatherings at Downing Street that violated their own lockdown restrictions. The first reports of illicit parties emerged late last November, prompting Johnson to issue a blanket denial that any laws had been broken. A subsequent police investigation found that was not true: Johnson himself was fined for attending his own birthday party in violation of the rules. Allies of Johnson argue that “Partygate,” as the London tabloids nicknamed it, is a trivial distraction at a time when Europe is confronting its first major land war since World War II. The prime minister swiftly staked out a position as Ukraine’s staunchest defender, shipping powerful weapons to its army and placing regular phone calls to his new friend, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. At first, the war eclipsed the scandal, giving Johnson the chance to wrap himself in a statesman’s mantle. But as the fighting ground on, disenchantment resurfaced at home. London’s Metropolitan Police levied fines, and an internal investigation by a senior civil servant painted a lurid portrait of partying in the heart of government. The taint of moral hypocrisy corroded the prime minister’s popularity with the public. On Friday, when he and his wife Carrie Johnson climbed the steps to St. Paul’s Cathedral for a thanksgiving service in honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s 70 years on the throne, he was roundly booed by the crowd. It was an omen. Beyond that, the economic winds began blowing against Johnson. The supply-chain disruptions from the pandemic — combined with price shocks on food and fuel after Russia’s invasion — drove inflation into double digits and raised the spectre of “stagflation.” The last time Britain faced that, its Labour government went down to a crushing defeat against Thatcher’s Conservatives. The prospect of history repeating itself helps explain why lawmakers are turning against Johnson. The 2019 Conservative victory was fueled by winning seats in longtime Labour districts in the country’s Midlands and industrial north, known colloquially as the “red wall.” But as Johnson himself acknowledged after the victory, the Tories had rented these seats, not won them in perpetuity. Instead of appealing to those new Tory voters with innovative policies, Johnson lurched from scandal to scandal. In addition to Partygate, the prime minister became embroiled in an uproar over the expensive refurbishment of his apartment in Downing Street, which was funded by a Conservative donor. He defended a Conservative lawmaker who was accused of lobbying improperly while in office and then had to back down, a humiliating setback that presaged some of the troubles to come within his own party. He got caught up in a vicious and damaging public feud with his former chief adviser, Dominic Cummings. By themselves, these issues might not have been enough to trip up a politician known for his Houdini-like escapes. But against an economic backdrop that the head of the Bank of England described as “apocalyptic,” they contributed to fears in the party that the Conservatives face a ferocious voter backlash. “All we can say with any level of certainty is that ordinary Brits are going to find it tough going economically for the rest of this year — and probably well into the next,” Bale said. “And that spells trouble for the Tories, Johnson or no Johnson.” Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

How Boris Johnson suffered a stunning political reversal

Amid growing criticism over the Partygate scandal, Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson will now face a confidence vote later on Monday (June 6). The Johnson government was accused of hosting alcohol-fueled parties at Downing Street during coronavirus (COVID-19).

Amid growing criticism over the Partygate scandal, Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson will now face a confidence vote later on Monday (June 6). The Johnson government was accused of hosting alcohol-fueled parties at Downing Street during coronavirus (COVID-19). During that period, such gatherings were not allowed across the nation. When details of such parties were out in public, the Prime Minister face massive backlash. A probe into the lockdown-breaking parties revealed that Johnson participated in the gatherings. Boris will now face a vote of confidence in his leadership after a number of lawmakers in the ruling Conservative Party questioned the British leader. He has apologised but said he would not resign. Now, if Boris loses the vote of confidence, his successor would take over in Downing Street. On the other hand, in case he wins, under the current rules, he will be immune from a further challenge for a year. Notably, he will be safe until the next election, due in 2024. ALSO READ | After rebellion of 54 Tory MPs, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to face confidence vote To formally request a confidence vote to the chairman of the party's 1922 Committee for one to be triggered, at least 54 Conservative members of parliament are required. In a note, Graham Brady, chairman of the party's 1922 Committee, said: "The threshold of 15% of the parliamentary party seeking a vote of confidence in the leader of the Conservative Party has been exceeded." Brady added, "The votes will be counted immediately afterwards. An announcement will be made at a time to be advised." The 1922 Committee represents rank-and-file Conservative lawmakers. How does the process of confidence vote work? Johnson's fate will be decided by Conservative MPs by secret ballot in a parliamentary committee room. The votes will be immediately counted, with an announcement expected "at a time to be advised". Johnson needs half the votes cast plus one to win. As mentioned, he cannot be challenged again for a year. As per the current scenario, some 359 Conservative MPs are eligible to vote. It means that Boris needs the backing of his 180 lawmakers to continue leadership. WATCH | Leadership crisis in UK: No confidence motion against UK PM Boris Johnson × What's next for Boris Johnson? If Johnson loses, his successor would take over. Meanwhile, a report by Telegraph mentioned that his allies have warned that there could be an early general election if the process goes awry for the British PM. A host of Tory MPs have come forward to say they do not believe the party can win the next general election under Johnson's leadership. Opinion polls have shown deep public disapproval over the scandal, with large majorities of people saying Johnson knowingly lied about "Partygate" and that he should resign. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK: How does the process of confidence vote work? What's next for Boris Johnson?

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced massive backlash for the Partygate scandal that shocked the nation. The Johnson government was accused of hosting alcohol-fueled parties during coronavirus (COVID-19) when such gatherings were not allowed across the nation. A probe into lockdown-breaking parties in Downing Street revealed that Johnson participated in the gatherings.&nbsp;

In the aftermath, the Sunday Times newspaper reported that Johnson's ruling Conservative Party expect a challenge to his leadership this week and has pencilled in a vote for Wednesday.&nbsp;

Amid rising criticism, some Conservative lawmakers have said that they have submitted letters to officially call for a vote of confidence in their leader, the report mentioned.&nbsp;

To formally request a confidence vote to the chairman of the party's 1922 Committee for one to be triggered, at least 54 Conservative members of parliament are required.&nbsp;

It has been understood that the letters are confidential so only the chairman of the committee knows how many have been submitted. Tory lawmakers have expressed doubts about Johnson's continued leadership and dozens of his MPs have now publicly criticised him.&nbsp;

25 lawmakers have gone public with their letters so far. The Times report stated that more than the rebel lawmakers believed that around 54 are on the verge of writing a letter of no-confidence.&nbsp;

The newspaper reported, "Officers of the 1922 executive have already pencilled in Wednesday as the day for the leadership vote."&nbsp;

Amid criticism, Johnson's ratings in the country plunged. Recent reports by the UK media outlets showed that his ratings have dropped significantly.&nbsp;

As per the ConservativeHome survey, Johnson is at the bottom of the "Cabinet League Table" of party members. Reports have mentioned that his net satisfaction rating this month is at minus 15 points.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced massive backlash for the Partygate scandal that shocked the nation. The Johnson government was accused of hosting alcohol-fueled parties during coronavirus (COVID-19) when such gatherings were not allowed across the nation.

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced massive backlash for the Partygate scandal that shocked the nation. The Johnson government was accused of hosting alcohol-fueled parties during coronavirus (COVID-19) when such gatherings were not allowed across the nation. A probe into lockdown-breaking parties in Downing Street revealed that Johnson participated in the gatherings. In the aftermath, the Sunday Times newspaper reported that Johnson's ruling Conservative Party expect a challenge to his leadership this week and has pencilled in a vote for Wednesday. Amid rising criticism, some Conservative lawmakers have said that they have submitted letters to officially call for a vote of confidence in their leader, the report mentioned. To formally request a confidence vote to the chairman of the party's 1922 Committee for one to be triggered, at least 54 Conservative members of parliament are required. It has been understood that the letters are confidential so only the chairman of the committee knows how many have been submitted. Tory lawmakers have expressed doubts about Johnson's continued leadership and dozens of his MPs have now publicly criticised him. 25 lawmakers have gone public with their letters so far. The Times report stated that more than the rebel lawmakers believed that around 54 are on the verge of writing a letter of no-confidence. The newspaper reported, "Officers of the 1922 executive have already pencilled in Wednesday as the day for the leadership vote." Amid criticism, Johnson's ratings in the country plunged. Recent reports by the UK media outlets showed that his ratings have dropped significantly. As per the ConservativeHome survey, Johnson is at the bottom of the "Cabinet League Table" of party members. Reports have mentioned that his net satisfaction rating this month is at minus 15 points. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK PM Boris Johnson could face leadership challenge this week: Report

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s ethics advisor has asked the Prime Minister to explain how receiving a fine from the police over a birthday party in June 2020 when indoor socialising was banned does not breach the Ministerial code requirement of complying with the law.

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54 such letters will trigger a vote. 
Will Boris Johnson be forced to resign? 
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John Stevenson, a Conservative member of parliament, said he has been "deeply disappointed" by the rule-breaking parties during the COVID-19 national lockdowns and called for the prime minister to put himself forward for a vote of confidence as a way to "draw the line" under the issues.

 
"Sadly, the prime minister appears unwilling to bring matters to a head," Stevenson said in a statement.

"Therefore, the only option is for the Conservative MPs to facilitate a vote of confidence. I have already taken the appropriate action.

 
Support for Johnson among Conservatives has ebbed further away following last week's publication of an internal inquiry.&nbsp;
<img alt="Boris Johnson at 10 Downing Street" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0f74dcc1-8053-4f83-9781-728fe44259b0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2022-05-31T144536Z_1_LYNXMPEI4U0NH_RTROPTP_4_BRITAIN-POLITICS-PARTIES.JPG" />
 
The probe by senior civil servant Sue Gray found that he presided over a culture of parties that ran late into the night and even featured a drunken fight among staff.

 
Johnson secured an 80-seat majority at the last general election in December 2019, on a promise to take the UK out of the European Union.

 
But despite that, an increasing number of Tory MPs have come forward to say they do not believe the party can win the next election, which is due by 2024, under his leadership.

 
Opinion polls have shown deep public disapproval over the scandal, with a large majority of people saying Johnson knowingly lied about "Partygate" and that he should resign.

 
Parliament is not sitting this week and with four days of celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee beginning on Thursday, any announcement about a possible vote would not come until next week at the earliest.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s ethics advisor has asked the Prime Minister to explain how receiving a fine from the police over a birthday party in June 2020 when indoor socialising was banned does not breach the Ministerial code requirement of complying with the law.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s ethics advisor has asked the Prime Minister to explain how receiving a fine from the police over a birthday party in June 2020 when indoor socialising was banned does not breach the Ministerial code requirement of complying with the law. #Gravitas | 30 Tory MPs have reportedly written letters of no confidence in British PM @BorisJohnson. 54 such letters will trigger a vote. Will Boris Johnson be forced to resign? Or will he escape the axe this time too? Listen in to @palkisu pic.twitter.com/XdQKkRsujr — WION (@WIONews) May 31, 2022 × John Stevenson, a Conservative member of parliament, said he has been "deeply disappointed" by the rule-breaking parties during the COVID-19 national lockdowns and called for the prime minister to put himself forward for a vote of confidence as a way to "draw the line" under the issues. "Sadly, the prime minister appears unwilling to bring matters to a head," Stevenson said in a statement. "Therefore, the only option is for the Conservative MPs to facilitate a vote of confidence. I have already taken the appropriate action. Support for Johnson among Conservatives has ebbed further away following last week's publication of an internal inquiry. The probe by senior civil servant Sue Gray found that he presided over a culture of parties that ran late into the night and even featured a drunken fight among staff. Johnson secured an 80-seat majority at the last general election in December 2019, on a promise to take the UK out of the European Union. But despite that, an increasing number of Tory MPs have come forward to say they do not believe the party can win the next election, which is due by 2024, under his leadership. Opinion polls have shown deep public disapproval over the scandal, with a large majority of people saying Johnson knowingly lied about "Partygate" and that he should resign. Parliament is not sitting this week and with four days of celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee beginning on Thursday, any announcement about a possible vote would not come until next week at the earliest. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Boris Johnson may face no-confidence vote for breaking Ministerial code

United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson has written to his own ethics chief, clearing himself of breaching the ministerial code of conduct over Partygate.

UK PM Boris Johnson denies breaching ministerial code of conduct

partygate

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