<p>A previously unseen footage has surfaced, revealing the extent of rule-breaking and mockery of lockdown regulations at a Christmas party held at the Conservative Campaign Headquarters in London, as per The Mirror media outlet. The video captures officials engaged in revelry, joking about their disregard for lockdown rules. Shockingly, among the 24 attendees were two individuals named in former Prime Minister Boris Johnson's controversial resignation honours list.&nbsp;As per local media outlets, the Met Police is 'considering' this new partygate footage.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Disregarding lockdown distancing measures</strong></h2>

<p>In the footage by The Mirror, officials can be seen dancing and joking near a sign that indicated maintaining distancing. The revelry took place on December 14, 2020, at a time when large parts of the UK were under restrictions that prohibited indoor socialising.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tories face new Partygate police probe as previously unseen footage shows staff boozing, dancing and mocking lockdown laws at height of Covid.<br />
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At least 24 revellers include two named on Johnson’s controversial resignation honours list.<br />
From <a href="https://twitter.com/DailyMirror?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DailyMirror</a> <a href="https://t.co/2Ij1zHpghT">https://t.co/2Ij1zHpghT</a> <a href="https://t.co/l0kTfnQnVV">pic.twitter.com/l0kTfnQnVV</a></p>
— Liz Webster (@LizWebsterSBF) <a href="https://twitter.com/LizWebsterSBF/status/1670134560208592900?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The video sheds new light on the event, reigniting criticism of Boris Johnson's handling of the pandemic and sparking outrage from families who lost loved ones to COVID-19.</p>

<h2><strong>Investigation and political fallout</strong></h2>

<p>Last year, a widely circulated photograph from the party led to a Metropolitan Police investigation. However, with only still images available, authorities found insufficient evidence to pursue legal action. The emergence of the damning video has prompted the Met Police to reassess the possibility of reopening the investigation.</p>

<p>Labour's deputy leader, Angela Rayner, condemned the revelers' behavior and criticised the difference in rules followed by the politicians and the rules for the general public.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/microsoft-outages-in-early-june-due-to-cyberattacks-605731">Microsoft outages in early June due to cyberattacks</a></p>

<p>The party was organised by the campaign team of Shaun Bailey, who was then a candidate for London Mayor. Bailey has recently received the title of Lord as part of Boris Johnson's resignation honours.</p>

<p>The video shows Ben Mallet, who received an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the same honours list and served as the campaign director for the Tories' London mayoral election.</p>

<p>The video captured during the event shows Mallet holding a wine glass while the iconic song "Fairytale of New York" plays in the background. In the footage, a man exclaims, "Oh Christ," upon realizing he is being recorded, and someone asks, "Are you filming this?"</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-schoolgirls-poisoning-state-sanctioned-committee-tries-to-downplay-poisoning-attacks-says-report-605671">Iran schoolgirls poisoning: State-sanctioned committee tries to downplay poisoning attacks, says report</a></p>

<p>Another person responds, "It's for party, erm, party use." Another individual remarks, "As long as we are not streaming that we're, like, bending the rules." The identities of all the Conservatives present at the party and the source of the leaked footage remain unclear. It is unknown who specifically attended the gathering and who made the video public.</p>

<p>Mallet currently manages the campaign of Moz Hossain, a prospective mayoral candidate for next year.</p>

<h2><strong>Mocking the rules&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The footage captures attendees knocking over wine glasses, dancing without regard for social distancing, and openly joking about breaking the rules. The revelations come shortly after a UK parliamentary committee damning report accused Boris Johnson of repeatedly misleading MPs about lockdown-breaching gatherings.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russia's latest space agency mission: Raising a militia for the war in Ukraine?</strong></p>

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<p>The emergence of such evidence adds to the scrutiny surrounding the conduct of politicians and their adherence to the rules during a time of national crisis.</p>

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A previously unseen footage has surfaced, revealing the extent of rule-breaking and mockery of lockdown regulations at a Christmas party held at the Conservative Campaign Headquarters in London, as per The Mirror media outlet.

A previously unseen footage has surfaced, revealing the extent of rule-breaking and mockery of lockdown regulations at a Christmas party held at the Conservative Campaign Headquarters in London, as per The Mirror media outlet. The video captures officials engaged in revelry, joking about their disregard for lockdown rules. Shockingly, among the 24 attendees were two individuals named in former Prime Minister Boris Johnson's controversial resignation honours list. As per local media outlets, the Met Police is 'considering' this new partygate footage. Disregarding lockdown distancing measures In the footage by The Mirror, officials can be seen dancing and joking near a sign that indicated maintaining distancing. The revelry took place on December 14, 2020, at a time when large parts of the UK were under restrictions that prohibited indoor socialising. Tories face new Partygate police probe as previously unseen footage shows staff boozing, dancing and mocking lockdown laws at height of Covid. At least 24 revellers include two named on Johnson’s controversial resignation honours list. From @DailyMirror https://t.co/2Ij1zHpghT pic.twitter.com/l0kTfnQnVV — Liz Webster (@LizWebsterSBF) June 17, 2023 × The video sheds new light on the event, reigniting criticism of Boris Johnson's handling of the pandemic and sparking outrage from families who lost loved ones to COVID-19. Investigation and political fallout Last year, a widely circulated photograph from the party led to a Metropolitan Police investigation. However, with only still images available, authorities found insufficient evidence to pursue legal action. The emergence of the damning video has prompted the Met Police to reassess the possibility of reopening the investigation. Labour's deputy leader, Angela Rayner, condemned the revelers' behavior and criticised the difference in rules followed by the politicians and the rules for the general public. Also Read | Microsoft outages in early June due to cyberattacks The party was organised by the campaign team of Shaun Bailey, who was then a candidate for London Mayor. Bailey has recently received the title of Lord as part of Boris Johnson's resignation honours. The video shows Ben Mallet, who received an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the same honours list and served as the campaign director for the Tories' London mayoral election. The video captured during the event shows Mallet holding a wine glass while the iconic song "Fairytale of New York" plays in the background. In the footage, a man exclaims, "Oh Christ," upon realizing he is being recorded, and someone asks, "Are you filming this?" Also Read | Iran schoolgirls poisoning: State-sanctioned committee tries to downplay poisoning attacks, says report Another person responds, "It's for party, erm, party use." Another individual remarks, "As long as we are not streaming that we're, like, bending the rules." The identities of all the Conservatives present at the party and the source of the leaked footage remain unclear. It is unknown who specifically attended the gathering and who made the video public. Mallet currently manages the campaign of Moz Hossain, a prospective mayoral candidate for next year. Mocking the rules The footage captures attendees knocking over wine glasses, dancing without regard for social distancing, and openly joking about breaking the rules. The revelations come shortly after a UK parliamentary committee damning report accused Boris Johnson of repeatedly misleading MPs about lockdown-breaching gatherings. Watch | Russia's latest space agency mission: Raising a militia for the war in Ukraine? × The emergence of such evidence adds to the scrutiny surrounding the conduct of politicians and their adherence to the rules during a time of national crisis. 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. ×

WATCH | Shocking new partygate video 'exposes' Tories mocking lockdown rules

<p><strong>UK local elections 2023:</strong> Early results showed the ruling Conservative Party had lost around 200 seats in the elections for over 8,000 seats on 230 local councils across England. The opposition Labour Party and the centrist Liberal Democrats made significant gains, with the latter seizing control from the Conservatives in Windsor, an affluent town west of London. The elections are seen as a test of support for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's government as the country approaches a general election due by the end of 2024.</p>

<h2><strong>Sunak facing heat for the actions of his predecessor</strong></h2>

<p>While some contests focused on local issues such as potholes and garbage collection, voters seemed to have punished the Conservatives for the turmoil that engulfed the party under former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who resigned amid multiple scandals.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas Plus: The untold story of Rishi Sunak</strong></p>

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<p>Then as the new prime minister, Liz Truss&nbsp;faced criticism for her rash tax-cutting plans, which spooked financial markets, hammered the value of the pound, and roiled the wider British economy. Sunak, a smooth former banker, was later chosen to restore stability to the economy and the government.</p>

<h2><strong>Conservatives acknowledge ‘disappointing results’</strong></h2>

<p>Sunak acknowledged the "disappointing" results for the Conservatives but insisted that "it's still early" in terms of the overall results. Greg Hands, the Conservative party chair, also admitted it was a disappointing night for the party. He said, “We always said it would be a difficult night for the party, the independent projections were all that we were going to lose 1,000 seats.”<br />
<br />
“It’s still early days so far but if I might say, it’s not been that great a result for Labour in some areas,” he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-prime-minister-rishi-sunak-faces-questions-in-parliament-says-choice-before-country-is-clear-588588">UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces questions in Parliament, says 'choice before country is clear'</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Labour says it will achieve majority in general elections</strong></h2>

<p>Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, claimed that his party was on the course for the majority in the upcoming general elections. He said this in Medway, where Labour has won control of the council for the first time since 1998.</p>

<p>Labour Party's national campaign coordinator, Shabana Mahmood, also said that the results put Labour on course to win a majority of seats in the&nbsp;general election. The party gained control of at least three new councils, and the results have been a disaster for Sunak, said Mahmood.</p>

<h2><strong>Local elections don’t reflect the complete picture</strong></h2>

<p>Overall, the results are not a complete snapshot of the UK as there were no elections in London, Scotland, or Wales, while Northern Ireland is set to vote on May 18. However, the early results have shown that the Conservatives are losing support while the opposition is gaining ground.</p>

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UK local elections 2023: Early results showed the ruling Conservative Party had lost around 200 seats in the elections for over 8,000 seats on 230 local councils across England.

UK local elections 2023: Early results showed the ruling Conservative Party had lost around 200 seats in the elections for over 8,000 seats on 230 local councils across England. The opposition Labour Party and the centrist Liberal Democrats made significant gains, with the latter seizing control from the Conservatives in Windsor, an affluent town west of London. The elections are seen as a test of support for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's government as the country approaches a general election due by the end of 2024. Sunak facing heat for the actions of his predecessor While some contests focused on local issues such as potholes and garbage collection, voters seemed to have punished the Conservatives for the turmoil that engulfed the party under former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who resigned amid multiple scandals. Watch: Gravitas Plus: The untold story of Rishi Sunak × Then as the new prime minister, Liz Truss faced criticism for her rash tax-cutting plans, which spooked financial markets, hammered the value of the pound, and roiled the wider British economy. Sunak, a smooth former banker, was later chosen to restore stability to the economy and the government. Conservatives acknowledge ‘disappointing results’ Sunak acknowledged the "disappointing" results for the Conservatives but insisted that "it's still early" in terms of the overall results. Greg Hands, the Conservative party chair, also admitted it was a disappointing night for the party. He said, “We always said it would be a difficult night for the party, the independent projections were all that we were going to lose 1,000 seats.” “It’s still early days so far but if I might say, it’s not been that great a result for Labour in some areas,” he added. Also Read | UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces questions in Parliament, says 'choice before country is clear' Labour says it will achieve majority in general elections Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, claimed that his party was on the course for the majority in the upcoming general elections. He said this in Medway, where Labour has won control of the council for the first time since 1998. Labour Party's national campaign coordinator, Shabana Mahmood, also said that the results put Labour on course to win a majority of seats in the general election. The party gained control of at least three new councils, and the results have been a disaster for Sunak, said Mahmood. Local elections don’t reflect the complete picture Overall, the results are not a complete snapshot of the UK as there were no elections in London, Scotland, or Wales, while Northern Ireland is set to vote on May 18. However, the early results have shown that the Conservatives are losing support while the opposition is gaining ground. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

UK local elections 2023: ‘Disappointing‘ results for Tories as Labour makes solid gains

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<p>British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has tempered his expectations regarding solving the illegal migrants' issue — one that may not sit well with the staunch Conservative leaders in his party, During an interview, Sunak conceded that his plan to stop small boats crossing the Channel 'won't happen overnight' as he pushed the timeline beyond the general elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the start of the year, the Tory leader, amid much pomp laid out five pledges for 2023, of which one was to&nbsp;stop migrants from entering the UK illegally.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I’ve always said that this is not something that is easy – it is a complicated problem, where there’s no single, simple solution that will fix it. And I’ve also said that it won’t happen overnight,” Sunak said in an interview with the website ConservativeHome.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"People should know it's very important to me, it's hugely important to the country that we need to fix the system, as a matter of fairness. It's not fair that people are breaking the rules and coming here illegally," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When asked if the objective could be achieved by the next general elections, scheduled to take place in 2024, Sunak appeared to dodge the question.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, to regain some of the favour from his partymen, the former chancellor stated his government's approach to tackle the issue was 'ambitious' and that he wasn't 'going to make any apologies for that'.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-announces-law-to-stop-illegal-immigrants-569817"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;UK announces law to stop illegal immigrants</strong></a></p>

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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-detain-rishi-sunak-defends-new-bill-for-crackdown-on-illegal-immigrants-570071#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></p>

<h2><strong>We will detain you: Sunak on illegal migrants&nbsp;last month</strong></h2>

<p>After Home Secretary Suella Braverman last month tabled the 'Illegal Migration Bill' before the House of Commons, Sunak was a charged man as he issued ultimatum to the illegal migrants crossing the Channel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Stopping the boats is not just my priority, it's the people's priority. Our position is clear, if you arrive here illegally you will not be able to claim asylum," argued Sunak.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"People must know that if they come here illegally it will result in their detention and swift removal. Once this happens, and they know it will happen — they will not come, and the boats will stop."&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-detain-rishi-sunak-defends-new-bill-for-crackdown-on-illegal-immigrants-570071" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | 'We will detain': UK PM Rishi Sunak defends new bill for crackdown on illegal immigrants</strong></a></p>

<p>Notably, former interior minister Priti Patel in April last year brought the 'Rwanda Asylum Policy' under which immigrants arriving in the UK through 'illegal' means would be sent to the African country of Rwanda to seek asylum.</p>

<p>The immigration crisis reached a peak in 2022 when over 45,000 entered the UK, breaking&nbsp;the record of the previous year with more than 17,000.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has tempered his expectations regarding solving the illegal migrants' issue — one that may not sit well with the staunch Conservative leaders in his party, During an interview, Sunak conceded that his plan to stop small boats crossing the Channel 'won't happen overnight' as he pushed the timeline beyond the general elections.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has tempered his expectations regarding solving the illegal migrants' issue — one that may not sit well with the staunch Conservative leaders in his party, During an interview, Sunak conceded that his plan to stop small boats crossing the Channel 'won't happen overnight' as he pushed the timeline beyond the general elections. At the start of the year, the Tory leader, amid much pomp laid out five pledges for 2023, of which one was to stop migrants from entering the UK illegally. “I’ve always said that this is not something that is easy – it is a complicated problem, where there’s no single, simple solution that will fix it. And I’ve also said that it won’t happen overnight,” Sunak said in an interview with the website ConservativeHome. "People should know it's very important to me, it's hugely important to the country that we need to fix the system, as a matter of fairness. It's not fair that people are breaking the rules and coming here illegally," he added. When asked if the objective could be achieved by the next general elections, scheduled to take place in 2024, Sunak appeared to dodge the question. However, to regain some of the favour from his partymen, the former chancellor stated his government's approach to tackle the issue was 'ambitious' and that he wasn't 'going to make any apologies for that'. WATCH | UK announces law to stop illegal immigrants × We will detain you: Sunak on illegal migrants last month After Home Secretary Suella Braverman last month tabled the 'Illegal Migration Bill' before the House of Commons, Sunak was a charged man as he issued ultimatum to the illegal migrants crossing the Channel. "Stopping the boats is not just my priority, it's the people's priority. Our position is clear, if you arrive here illegally you will not be able to claim asylum," argued Sunak. "People must know that if they come here illegally it will result in their detention and swift removal. Once this happens, and they know it will happen — they will not come, and the boats will stop." ALSO READ | 'We will detain': UK PM Rishi Sunak defends new bill for crackdown on illegal immigrants Notably, former interior minister Priti Patel in April last year brought the 'Rwanda Asylum Policy' under which immigrants arriving in the UK through 'illegal' means would be sent to the African country of Rwanda to seek asylum. The immigration crisis reached a peak in 2022 when over 45,000 entered the UK, breaking the record of the previous year with more than 17,000. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'It won't happen overnight...': UK PM Rishi Sunak appears defeatist on illegal migrants issue

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<p>The British government is set to spend over $9.8 million (£8 million) supplying free portraits of King Charles III to public council offices, courts, schools, police forces, fire and rescue services. The scheme has been unveiled to celebrate the reign of the new king who took charge after the death of Queen Elizabeth II last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Cabinet Office justified the decision to spend the money on the exercise saying the posters would serve as a 'visible reminder' to the public about the splendour of their new king.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have entered a new reign in our history. Now, as we unite in preparing for the splendour of the King's Coronation, these new portraits will serve as a visible reminder in buildings up and down the country of the nation's ultimate public servant," said Oliver Dowden, Cabinet Office minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The scheme will kick in after the king's coronation is scheduled to take place later this year. After the official posters are released by Buckingham Palace, the eligible public authorities will be offered the opportunity to request the free framed portrait.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-video-shows-rishi-sunak-in-a-moving-car-without-his-seat-belt-on-554561"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;WION Dispatch: Video shows Rishi Sunak in a moving car without his seat belt on</strong></a></p>

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<p>The move to spend&nbsp;'extravagant' sums of money on the posters attracted instant backlash with anti-monarchist groups opening up a front.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“At a time when a majority of local councils are raising taxes and cutting public services, when schools and hospitals are struggling, to spend even £1 on this nonsense would be £1 too much,” said Graham Smith, chief executive of the anti-monarchist group Republic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Surely if anyone really wants an official portrait he can stump up the cost. The government has lost the plot if they think people want their money spent on pictures of Charles.”</p>

<p>Ordinary Britons are currently facing one of the worst cost-of-living-crisis. The annual rate of inflation reached 11.1 per cent in October 2022, a 41-year high, before easing down. However, since January, it has been on another upswing with the rate standing at 10.4 per cent in February.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In recent months, the Tories have come under heavy scrutiny for their use of the taxpayers' money. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been one of the worst offenders with his spending becoming the subject of routine controversy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A government report published on Friday stated that Sunak spent as much as $617,249 (£500,000) in under a fortnight on private jet trips last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The numbers were released by the cabinet office and detailed that Sunak spent £108,000 on a jet to travel to and from the COP27 summit in Egypt last year. A week later, the 10, Downing Street resident jetted off to the southeast Asian country of Indonesia to attend the G20 summit in Bali. The total cost of the round trip came about to £340,000.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-rishi-sunak-splurged-over-600000-on-private-jets-in-less-than-a-fortnight-577952" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | UK PM Rishi Sunak splurged over $600,000 on private jets in less than a fortnight</strong></a></p>

<p>Recently, it was reported that Sunak got the local electricity grid upgraded for his $4,80,000 (£400,000) private heating swimming pool in the North Yorkshire home.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Labour Party earlier this year announced it was launching a campaign&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sunak-co-accused-of-splurging-taxpayers-money-labour-releases-a-damning-dossier-561397" target="_blank">targetting&nbsp;</a>the Conservatives for indiscriminate spending of taxpayers' money on luxury travel and hotels.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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The British government is set to spend over $9.8 million (£8 million) supplying free portraits of King Charles III to public council offices, courts, schools, police forces, fire and rescue services.

The British government is set to spend over $9.8 million (£8 million) supplying free portraits of King Charles III to public council offices, courts, schools, police forces, fire and rescue services. The scheme has been unveiled to celebrate the reign of the new king who took charge after the death of Queen Elizabeth II last year. The Cabinet Office justified the decision to spend the money on the exercise saying the posters would serve as a 'visible reminder' to the public about the splendour of their new king. "We have entered a new reign in our history. Now, as we unite in preparing for the splendour of the King's Coronation, these new portraits will serve as a visible reminder in buildings up and down the country of the nation's ultimate public servant," said Oliver Dowden, Cabinet Office minister. The scheme will kick in after the king's coronation is scheduled to take place later this year. After the official posters are released by Buckingham Palace, the eligible public authorities will be offered the opportunity to request the free framed portrait. WATCH | WION Dispatch: Video shows Rishi Sunak in a moving car without his seat belt on The move to spend 'extravagant' sums of money on the posters attracted instant backlash with anti-monarchist groups opening up a front. “At a time when a majority of local councils are raising taxes and cutting public services, when schools and hospitals are struggling, to spend even £1 on this nonsense would be £1 too much,” said Graham Smith, chief executive of the anti-monarchist group Republic. “Surely if anyone really wants an official portrait he can stump up the cost. The government has lost the plot if they think people want their money spent on pictures of Charles.” Ordinary Britons are currently facing one of the worst cost-of-living-crisis. The annual rate of inflation reached 11.1 per cent in October 2022, a 41-year high, before easing down. However, since January, it has been on another upswing with the rate standing at 10.4 per cent in February. In recent months, the Tories have come under heavy scrutiny for their use of the taxpayers' money. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been one of the worst offenders with his spending becoming the subject of routine controversy. A government report published on Friday stated that Sunak spent as much as $617,249 (£500,000) in under a fortnight on private jet trips last year. The numbers were released by the cabinet office and detailed that Sunak spent £108,000 on a jet to travel to and from the COP27 summit in Egypt last year. A week later, the 10, Downing Street resident jetted off to the southeast Asian country of Indonesia to attend the G20 summit in Bali. The total cost of the round trip came about to £340,000. ALSO READ | UK PM Rishi Sunak splurged over $600,000 on private jets in less than a fortnight Recently, it was reported that Sunak got the local electricity grid upgraded for his $4,80,000 (£400,000) private heating swimming pool in the North Yorkshire home. The Labour Party earlier this year announced it was launching a campaign targetting the Conservatives for indiscriminate spending of taxpayers' money on luxury travel and hotels. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

‘Wasteful’, say Britons as Tories plan to spend $9.8 million on free portraits of King Charles III

Sunak’s net favourability of score -21 still trails Labour rival Keir Starmer’s (-11) by double digits. While about as many people have a favourable view of the leader of the opposition (37%) as the prime minister, fewer people dislike him (48%). Unlike Sunak, Starmer’s ratings are virtually identical to those from the previous survey.

Tories cut labour popularity lead: Survey

<p>British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's&nbsp;North Yorkshire home is once again in news and not for good reasons. The&nbsp;$4,80,000 (£400,000) private heating swimming pool installed on Sunak's property uses so much energy that the local electricity grid has had to be upgraded to meet the surging power demand, as per a Guardian report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While UK residents brave a cost&nbsp;of living crisis, compounded by increased electricity bills, Sunak's 12-metre swimming pool receiving an upgraded grid has irked many.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sunak has been the owner of the property since 2015, having bought it for&nbsp;£1.5m, shortly after becoming an MP from Richmond. Sunak upgraded the manor house by starting the&nbsp;construction of a new heated swimming pool, gym and tennis court.</p>

<p>Consequently, the engineers had to install a substantial amount of equipment and a new connection to the National Grid that runs across the fields. The publication stated that Sunak had paid the&nbsp;upgradation money from his personal funds.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-rishi-sunaks-opulent-private-pool-amid-rising-cost-of-living-sparks-row-507498">UK: Rishi Sunak's opulent private pool amid rising cost of living sparks row</a></strong></p>

<p>Sunak's pool property receiving extra attention comes in the backdrop of over 350 pools and leisure centres being closed or forced to cut back hours due to high energy costs, across the UK.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, this is not the first instance when Sunak has&nbsp;garnered headlines for his expensive tastes or extravagant splurging of money.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year, Sunak visited a building site in Teesside, Northern England where he was spotted wearing $595 Prada suede loafers.&nbsp;In 2020, as the Chancellor of the country, he was spotted using a $220 mug in a traditional pre-Budget photograph.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-video-shows-rishi-sunak-in-a-moving-car-without-his-seat-belt-on-554561"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;WION Dispatch: Video shows Rishi Sunak in a moving car without his seat belt on</strong></a></p>

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<p>Reports of Akshata Murthy, Sunak's wife touted to be wealthier than late British Queen Elizabeth II with assets worth $495 million also invited the spotlight on the Tory leader.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similarly, when Sunak decided to run for the PM position, a clip from a video documentary went viral on social media platforms where Sunak could be seen talking about his "aristocratic"&nbsp;friends.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I have friends who are aristocrats, I have friends who are upper-class, I have friends who are, you know, working-class. Well, not working class," Sunak said in the BBC documentary titled 'Middle Classes- Their Rise &amp; Sprawl'.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tory-leader-rishi-sunak-wears-595-prada-loafers-on-a-visit-to-a-building-site-501764">Tory leader Rishi Sunak wears $595 Prada loafers on a visit to a building site</a></strong></p>

<p>The video brought a lot of flak for Sunak who was dubbed&nbsp;'out-of-touch' with reality.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's North Yorkshire home is once again in news and not for good reasons. The $4,80,000 (£400,000) private heating swimming pool installed on Sunak's property uses so much energy that the local electricity grid has had to be upgraded to meet the surging power demand, as per a Guardian report.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's North Yorkshire home is once again in news and not for good reasons. The $4,80,000 (£400,000) private heating swimming pool installed on Sunak's property uses so much energy that the local electricity grid has had to be upgraded to meet the surging power demand, as per a Guardian report. While UK residents brave a cost of living crisis, compounded by increased electricity bills, Sunak's 12-metre swimming pool receiving an upgraded grid has irked many. Sunak has been the owner of the property since 2015, having bought it for £1.5m, shortly after becoming an MP from Richmond. Sunak upgraded the manor house by starting the construction of a new heated swimming pool, gym and tennis court. Consequently, the engineers had to install a substantial amount of equipment and a new connection to the National Grid that runs across the fields. The publication stated that Sunak had paid the upgradation money from his personal funds. ALSO READ | UK: Rishi Sunak's opulent private pool amid rising cost of living sparks row Sunak's pool property receiving extra attention comes in the backdrop of over 350 pools and leisure centres being closed or forced to cut back hours due to high energy costs, across the UK. Notably, this is not the first instance when Sunak has garnered headlines for his expensive tastes or extravagant splurging of money. Last year, Sunak visited a building site in Teesside, Northern England where he was spotted wearing $595 Prada suede loafers. In 2020, as the Chancellor of the country, he was spotted using a $220 mug in a traditional pre-Budget photograph. WATCH | WION Dispatch: Video shows Rishi Sunak in a moving car without his seat belt on × Reports of Akshata Murthy, Sunak's wife touted to be wealthier than late British Queen Elizabeth II with assets worth $495 million also invited the spotlight on the Tory leader. Similarly, when Sunak decided to run for the PM position, a clip from a video documentary went viral on social media platforms where Sunak could be seen talking about his "aristocratic" friends. "I have friends who are aristocrats, I have friends who are upper-class, I have friends who are, you know, working-class. Well, not working class," Sunak said in the BBC documentary titled 'Middle Classes- Their Rise & Sprawl'. ALSO READ | Tory leader Rishi Sunak wears $595 Prada loafers on a visit to a building site The video brought a lot of flak for Sunak who was dubbed 'out-of-touch' with reality. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Energy crisis? UK PM Rishi Sunak has local electricity grid upgraded for his heated private pool

<p>Who would have thought that an innocuous, fun, not-taking-itself-too-seriously show titled BBC Match of the Day (MOTD) would one day shape the politics of the UK and put perhaps, one of the biggest broadcasters in the world in a pickle?&nbsp;</p>

<p>BBC, a widely popular journalistic institution is currently battling to save its face. Ever since former English striker-turned-pundit Gary Lineker was suspended from the hosting duties of MOTD, the cauldron of controversy has been simmering high in the UK and across the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Saturday's Premier League Match Day 27 action on BBC, usually a colourful affair, wore a muted look. With big-ticket teams like Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham in action, the football faithful would have liked to tune in to their routine MOTD programming, hosted by Lineker and surrounded by heavyweights Alan Shearer and Ian Wright.</p>

<p>But 24 hours earlier, in what can only be attributed to a brain fade moment, BBC thought it to be a prudent decision to axe one of its most recognisable faces for putting forth his piece of mind on a social media post.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lineker, like many, did not agree with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's highly controversial 'Illegal Migration Bill' that attempts to curb the migration issue by ferrying illegal aliens to third countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lineker compared the tone taken by the Tories to that of the Nazis who believed in racial purity and looked down upon anyone other than the pure Aryan race. Though extreme in magnitude, Lineker's was an opinion - an opinion that any individual has the right to exercise.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">There is no huge influx. We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries. This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?</p>
— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) <a href="https://twitter.com/GaryLineker/status/1633111662352891908?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>With Lineker not in the fray, BBC looked for alternatives to go ahead with the show but soon found itself in a quandary. Lineker's peers and compatriots joined him in showing solidarity and decided to boycott MOTD.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Everybody knows what Match of the Day means to me, but I’ve told the BBC I won’t be doing it tomorrow. Solidarity,” wrote former Arsenal star Ian Wright on Twitter.</p>

<p>“I have informed the BBC that I won’t be appearing on MOTD tomorrow night," added Premier League's top goalscorer Alan Shearer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Consequently, the 80-minute primetime BBC1 show was reduced to a 20-minute highlights package with no punditry or analysis. A simple highlight package was played that comically did not have the commentator's audio as the BBC did not have the right to Premier League’s ‘World Feed’.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-football-focus-final-score-shows-on-bbc-as-presenters-go-off-air-on-saturday-to-support-gary-lineker-571000"><strong>ALSO READ | No Football Focus, Final Score shows on BBC as presenters go off air on Saturday to support Gary Lineker</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>BBC and its ambivalent freedom of speech position</strong></h2>

<p>After Lineker was benched, BBC issued a statement where it said the ex-footballer was told not to take sides on political issues or controversies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have said that he should keep well away from taking sides on party political issues or political controversies," read the statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the statement exposed the BBC's partisan approach and rather ambivalent stance regarding freedom of speech.</p>

<p>Lineker was allowed to espouse a lengthy monologue against Qatar during last year's FIFA World Cup. Before the WC kick-off, the 62-year-old gave his piece of mind and called out Qatar for its dodgy human rights record and slated FIFA for trying to silence them.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mutiny-at-bbc-after-anchor-pulled-from-football-show-571011"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Mutiny at BBC after anchor pulled from football show</strong></a></p>

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<p><br />
At the time, Lineker, representing BBC, took a clear stance, dipping his hands in political controversy and yet the broadcaster did not find it going against its own advisory. In fact, BBC, with its holier-than-thou attitude, refused to air the opening and closing ceremony of the World Cup.</p>

<h2><strong>BBC and Tory connection</strong></h2>

<p>Thus, the question begs itself - what has changed in the last few months that BBC is now going after its own? The answer is rather controversial and one that may not be to the liking of those who have adored BBC's journalistic credibility.&nbsp;</p>

<p>BBC's top hierarchy has cultivated a deep relationship with the Conservative Party. A media organisation is supposed to be non-partisan, neutral and credible - at least on paper, if not in the realms of reality.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the current BBC director Richard Sharp is known for his sharp (no pun intended) right-wing leaning. Sharp has reportedly donated more than £400,000 since the turn of the century to the Conservative Party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moreover, the BBC chairperson is currently under investigation after it was revealed that he helped former prime minister Boris Johnson secure a loan of £800,000.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The former Goldman Sachs manager reportedly oversaw the work of Rishi Sunak during his early days in the finance industry - thereby leading to accusations of conflict of interest. He is also the director of Centre for Policy Studies - a right-wing think tank that has accused the BBC of harbouring left-wing bias. &nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-detain-rishi-sunak-defends-new-bill-for-crackdown-on-illegal-immigrants-570071"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;'We will detain': UK PM Rishi Sunak defends new bill for crackdown on illegal immigrants</strong></a></p>

<p>After taking over the top BBC post, Sharp, in an interview openly stated that BBC had a 'liberal bias' and that “the institution is fighting against it”.</p>

<p>The Tory links do not stop here. Sir Robbie Gibb, director of communications to former PM Theresa May currently sits on the BBC board. Gibb was appointed to the position by former PM Boris Johnson and has played a key part in the establishment of the right-wing channel GB News.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The overall perception due to such connections is that BBC surrendered to the demands of the Tory leaders currently sitting in 10, Downing Street. Once such a perception festers, it can spell doom for a broadcaster, however big in scale they may be.&nbsp;</p>

<p>We live in a 24-hour news cycle where such incidents are often forgotten on a whim. However, the intimate connection of football and politics, in this particular case may not allow BBC to wriggle out of the mess easily. As for Lineker, his superb punditry skills may not allow him to be without an employer for long.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.</strong></em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Who would have thought that an innocuous, fun, not-taking-itself-too-seriously show titled BBC Match of the Day (MOTD) would one day shape the politics of the UK and put perhaps, one of the biggest broadcasters in the world in a pickle?

Who would have thought that an innocuous, fun, not-taking-itself-too-seriously show titled BBC Match of the Day (MOTD) would one day shape the politics of the UK and put perhaps, one of the biggest broadcasters in the world in a pickle? BBC, a widely popular journalistic institution is currently battling to save its face. Ever since former English striker-turned-pundit Gary Lineker was suspended from the hosting duties of MOTD, the cauldron of controversy has been simmering high in the UK and across the world. Saturday's Premier League Match Day 27 action on BBC, usually a colourful affair, wore a muted look. With big-ticket teams like Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham in action, the football faithful would have liked to tune in to their routine MOTD programming, hosted by Lineker and surrounded by heavyweights Alan Shearer and Ian Wright. But 24 hours earlier, in what can only be attributed to a brain fade moment, BBC thought it to be a prudent decision to axe one of its most recognisable faces for putting forth his piece of mind on a social media post. Lineker, like many, did not agree with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's highly controversial 'Illegal Migration Bill' that attempts to curb the migration issue by ferrying illegal aliens to third countries. Lineker compared the tone taken by the Tories to that of the Nazis who believed in racial purity and looked down upon anyone other than the pure Aryan race. Though extreme in magnitude, Lineker's was an opinion - an opinion that any individual has the right to exercise. There is no huge influx. We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries. This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order? — Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) March 7, 2023 × With Lineker not in the fray, BBC looked for alternatives to go ahead with the show but soon found itself in a quandary. Lineker's peers and compatriots joined him in showing solidarity and decided to boycott MOTD. “Everybody knows what Match of the Day means to me, but I’ve told the BBC I won’t be doing it tomorrow. Solidarity,” wrote former Arsenal star Ian Wright on Twitter. “I have informed the BBC that I won’t be appearing on MOTD tomorrow night," added Premier League's top goalscorer Alan Shearer. Consequently, the 80-minute primetime BBC1 show was reduced to a 20-minute highlights package with no punditry or analysis. A simple highlight package was played that comically did not have the commentator's audio as the BBC did not have the right to Premier League’s ‘World Feed’. ALSO READ | No Football Focus, Final Score shows on BBC as presenters go off air on Saturday to support Gary Lineker BBC and its ambivalent freedom of speech position After Lineker was benched, BBC issued a statement where it said the ex-footballer was told not to take sides on political issues or controversies. "We have said that he should keep well away from taking sides on party political issues or political controversies," read the statement. However, the statement exposed the BBC's partisan approach and rather ambivalent stance regarding freedom of speech. Lineker was allowed to espouse a lengthy monologue against Qatar during last year's FIFA World Cup. Before the WC kick-off, the 62-year-old gave his piece of mind and called out Qatar for its dodgy human rights record and slated FIFA for trying to silence them. WATCH | Mutiny at BBC after anchor pulled from football show At the time, Lineker, representing BBC, took a clear stance, dipping his hands in political controversy and yet the broadcaster did not find it going against its own advisory. In fact, BBC, with its holier-than-thou attitude, refused to air the opening and closing ceremony of the World Cup. BBC and Tory connection Thus, the question begs itself - what has changed in the last few months that BBC is now going after its own? The answer is rather controversial and one that may not be to the liking of those who have adored BBC's journalistic credibility. BBC's top hierarchy has cultivated a deep relationship with the Conservative Party. A media organisation is supposed to be non-partisan, neutral and credible - at least on paper, if not in the realms of reality. However, the current BBC director Richard Sharp is known for his sharp (no pun intended) right-wing leaning. Sharp has reportedly donated more than £400,000 since the turn of the century to the Conservative Party. Moreover, the BBC chairperson is currently under investigation after it was revealed that he helped former prime minister Boris Johnson secure a loan of £800,000. The former Goldman Sachs manager reportedly oversaw the work of Rishi Sunak during his early days in the finance industry - thereby leading to accusations of conflict of interest. He is also the director of Centre for Policy Studies - a right-wing think tank that has accused the BBC of harbouring left-wing bias. Read more: 'We will detain': UK PM Rishi Sunak defends new bill for crackdown on illegal immigrants After taking over the top BBC post, Sharp, in an interview openly stated that BBC had a 'liberal bias' and that “the institution is fighting against it”. The Tory links do not stop here. Sir Robbie Gibb, director of communications to former PM Theresa May currently sits on the BBC board. Gibb was appointed to the position by former PM Boris Johnson and has played a key part in the establishment of the right-wing channel GB News. The overall perception due to such connections is that BBC surrendered to the demands of the Tory leaders currently sitting in 10, Downing Street. Once such a perception festers, it can spell doom for a broadcaster, however big in scale they may be. We live in a 24-hour news cycle where such incidents are often forgotten on a whim. However, the intimate connection of football and politics, in this particular case may not allow BBC to wriggle out of the mess easily. As for Lineker, his superb punditry skills may not allow him to be without an employer for long. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Has the BBC-Tory marriage of convenience led to the axing of Gary Lineker from MOTD?

<p>The fugitive Hindu guru Nithyananda's UK representative Atmadaya had attended the House of Lords' Diwali party earlier this year, after receiving an invitation from two senior Conservatives, as per the reports published in the Observer.</p>

<p>Atmadaya was sent an invitation to the party by MP Bob Blackman along with his peer Rami Ranger. A full-page advertisement was also published by Nithyananda’s organisation in an accompanying brochure, which was later distributed among the attendees.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Few attendees were not happy about the profile given to the organisation because, in 2019, the Hindu guru had fled India after he was facing charges of raping one of his follower and abduction children. Since then, Nithyananda has established his own sovereign island state, which he calls the “Republic of Kailaasa”.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ|</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-time-in-106-years-uk-nurses-set-to-walk-out-on-strike-over-pay-demands-542132">Ministers rebuff union's offer to negotiate over pay to suspend NHS strikes</a></p>

<p>Freelance journalist Poonam Joshi, who has carried out an investigation into the organisation and was also part of the event, said, “It is shocking to see the Hindu Forum of Britain (which helped organise the event) found it appropriate to invite representatives of a man accused of such heinous crimes to parliament.”</p>

<p>“It lends legitimacy to an organisation that craves it because of the actions of the fake ‘godman’ at its helm, who remains a fugitive from Indian justice,” she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In India, Nithyananda had a huge following, as he also ran multiple ashrams and temples. In the past, he had made claims about possessing supernatural abilities, which includes seeing through walls, curing blindness of children, delaying the sunrise and talking to cows.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The fugitive Hindu guru Nithyananda's UK representative Atmadaya had attended the House of Lords' Diwali party earlier this year, after receiving an invitation from two senior Conservatives, as per the reports published in the Observer.

The fugitive Hindu guru Nithyananda's UK representative Atmadaya had attended the House of Lords' Diwali party earlier this year, after receiving an invitation from two senior Conservatives, as per the reports published in the Observer. Atmadaya was sent an invitation to the party by MP Bob Blackman along with his peer Rami Ranger. A full-page advertisement was also published by Nithyananda’s organisation in an accompanying brochure, which was later distributed among the attendees. Few attendees were not happy about the profile given to the organisation because, in 2019, the Hindu guru had fled India after he was facing charges of raping one of his follower and abduction children. Since then, Nithyananda has established his own sovereign island state, which he calls the “Republic of Kailaasa”. ALSO READ| Ministers rebuff union's offer to negotiate over pay to suspend NHS strikes Freelance journalist Poonam Joshi, who has carried out an investigation into the organisation and was also part of the event, said, “It is shocking to see the Hindu Forum of Britain (which helped organise the event) found it appropriate to invite representatives of a man accused of such heinous crimes to parliament.” “It lends legitimacy to an organisation that craves it because of the actions of the fake ‘godman’ at its helm, who remains a fugitive from Indian justice,” she added. In India, Nithyananda had a huge following, as he also ran multiple ashrams and temples. In the past, he had made claims about possessing supernatural abilities, which includes seeing through walls, curing blindness of children, delaying the sunrise and talking to cows. (With inputs from agencies)

Fugitive Hindu guru's UK representative attended Tories' party at House of Lords

Britain's new Conservative leader Liz Truss Monday vowed "bold" action to fix the country's worst economic crisis in decades, as she was confirmed as Prime Minister Boris Johnson's successor after a gruelling party contest. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

WION Fineprint | Truss named UK leader as embattled Tories urged to unite

<p>'The Guardian' reported that former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was previously a journalist, might earn '‘north of £ 1 million’' for his memoir.</p>

<p>Citing publishing insiders, the report said that Johnson could start writing once again and publish a book about his time leading the country and earning a large sum from it.</p>

<p>The British daily quoted a publisher as saying that it was “way too early for anything concrete to happen or be submitted.”</p>

<p>“I would be amazed if he doesn’t sign up somewhere for memoirs at some point in the autumn,” the publisher added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-election-live-conservative-party-holding-first-round-of-voting-496988">UK PM election LIVE: Candidates take part in Conservative Party online debate</a></strong></p>

<p>The book would command “north of £1 million” according to executive director and literary agent at Northbank Talent, Martin Redfern.</p>

<p>This is not the first time a British leader will write his memoir as David Cameron wrote 'For the Record while Gordon Brown wrote 'My Life' and both of them earned them sums of six figures.</p>

<p>Although all the money he made was donated to the Royal British Legion, Tony Blair’s A Journey was reportedly sold for an advance of about £4.6 million.</p>

<p>In a deal he signed in 2015 with the publisher Hodder &amp; Stoughton, Johnson was also due to write a book about Shakespeare for which he was reportedly paid £500,000.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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'The Guardian' reported that former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was previously a journalist, might earn '‘north of £ 1 million’' for his memoir. Citing publishing insiders, the report said that Johnson could start writing once again and publish a book about his time leading the country and earning a large sum from it.

'The Guardian' reported that former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was previously a journalist, might earn '‘north of £ 1 million’' for his memoir. Citing publishing insiders, the report said that Johnson could start writing once again and publish a book about his time leading the country and earning a large sum from it. The British daily quoted a publisher as saying that it was “way too early for anything concrete to happen or be submitted.” “I would be amazed if he doesn’t sign up somewhere for memoirs at some point in the autumn,” the publisher added. Also read | UK PM election LIVE: Candidates take part in Conservative Party online debate The book would command “north of £1 million” according to executive director and literary agent at Northbank Talent, Martin Redfern. This is not the first time a British leader will write his memoir as David Cameron wrote 'For the Record while Gordon Brown wrote 'My Life' and both of them earned them sums of six figures. Although all the money he made was donated to the Royal British Legion, Tony Blair’s A Journey was reportedly sold for an advance of about £4.6 million. In a deal he signed in 2015 with the publisher Hodder & Stoughton, Johnson was also due to write a book about Shakespeare for which he was reportedly paid £500,000. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Former British PM Boris Johnson might earn ‘north of £1 million’ for his memoir

Two days after the UK prime minister Boris Johnson survived the no confidence vote, Rebel Tory MPs are now betting that Johnson might blow himself up with further scandals which will change the current rules that protect him from another confidence vote.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to face another no-trust vote?

British PM Boris Johnson will face the parliament after narrowly fending off a no-confidence vote brought by his own party. The embattled prime minister will appear before lawmakers while he's confronted with the gradual political crisis.

Rebel Tories vs Boris Johnson: Uncertainty remains over BoJo's future

<p>After 54 of his Tory MPs triggered a contest following a string of scandals, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will face a Conservative Party confidence vote on his leadership Monday.</p>

<p>Graham Brady, chair of the 1922 Committee of Conservative backbench MPs, said, "The threshold of 15% of the parliamentary party seeking a vote of confidence in the leader of the Conservative Party has been exceeded."</p>

<p>"In accordance with the rules, a ballot will be held between 1800 and 2000 (1700 and 1900 GMT) today," he added.</p>

<p>In response, a Downing Street spokesman said that the vote is a chance for Johnson to ''draw a line and move on''.</p>

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<p>"The PM welcomes the opportunity to make his case to MPs and will remind them that when they’re united and focused on the issues that matter to voters there is no more formidable political force," the spokesperson added.</p>

<p>Unable to move on from a report that documented alcohol-fuelled parties at the heart of power when Britain was under strict lockdowns to tackle COVID-19, Johnson has been under growing pressure.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-if-boris-johnson-loses-no-confidence-vote-who-can-replace-him-474051#what-needs-to-happen-for-there-to-be-a-leadership-contest-474043">Also see |&nbsp;How UK PM Johnson could be ousted by unhappy Conservative lawmakers</a></strong></p>

<p>Joining a growing number who have voiced concern about Johnson's electoral appeal, Jesse Norman, who served as a junior minister in the finance ministry between 2019 and 2021, was the latest Conservative lawmaker to publicly request a confidence vote.</p>

<p>"Recent events have served to clarify the position this country is in under your leadership, beyond any doubt; and I am afraid I can see no circumstances in which I could serve in a government led by you," Norman said in a letter he published on Twitter.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I have supported Boris Johnson for 15 years, for the London Mayoralty and for PM. Very sadly, I have written to him to say I can no longer do so, for the reasons set out below. <a href="https://t.co/0Mjs4hjeSF">pic.twitter.com/0Mjs4hjeSF</a></p>
— Jesse Norman (@Jesse_Norman) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jesse_Norman/status/1533699235417403393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>For the removal of Johnson from the position of the prime minister, a majority of Conservative lawmakers or 180 would have to vote against him.</p>

<p>Although some Conservatives say that kind of majority might be difficult to reach if passed there would then be a leadership contest to decide his replacement.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>Watch WION's live TV here:</strong></p>

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After 54 of his Tory MPs triggered a contest following a string of scandals, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will face a Conservative Party confidence vote on his leadership Monday.

After 54 of his Tory MPs triggered a contest following a string of scandals, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will face a Conservative Party confidence vote on his leadership Monday. Graham Brady, chair of the 1922 Committee of Conservative backbench MPs, said, "The threshold of 15% of the parliamentary party seeking a vote of confidence in the leader of the Conservative Party has been exceeded." "In accordance with the rules, a ballot will be held between 1800 and 2000 (1700 and 1900 GMT) today," he added. In response, a Downing Street spokesman said that the vote is a chance for Johnson to ''draw a line and move on''. "The PM welcomes the opportunity to make his case to MPs and will remind them that when they’re united and focused on the issues that matter to voters there is no more formidable political force," the spokesperson added. Unable to move on from a report that documented alcohol-fuelled parties at the heart of power when Britain was under strict lockdowns to tackle COVID-19, Johnson has been under growing pressure. Also see | How UK PM Johnson could be ousted by unhappy Conservative lawmakers Joining a growing number who have voiced concern about Johnson's electoral appeal, Jesse Norman, who served as a junior minister in the finance ministry between 2019 and 2021, was the latest Conservative lawmaker to publicly request a confidence vote. "Recent events have served to clarify the position this country is in under your leadership, beyond any doubt; and I am afraid I can see no circumstances in which I could serve in a government led by you," Norman said in a letter he published on Twitter. I have supported Boris Johnson for 15 years, for the London Mayoralty and for PM. Very sadly, I have written to him to say I can no longer do so, for the reasons set out below. pic.twitter.com/0Mjs4hjeSF — Jesse Norman (@Jesse_Norman) June 6, 2022 × For the removal of Johnson from the position of the prime minister, a majority of Conservative lawmakers or 180 would have to vote against him. Although some Conservatives say that kind of majority might be difficult to reach if passed there would then be a leadership contest to decide his replacement. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

After rebellion of 54 Tory MPs, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to face confidence vote

The Leader of Opposition Labour party, Keir Starmer in Britain is being investigated for possibly breaking Covid lockdown rules himself in allegations similar to what PM Johnson was embroiled in early this year

Tories accuse Starmer of 'Hyprocrisy' after leaked document, alleges he broke lockdown rules

Britain’s leading Conservative Party has lost ground in local elections to Labour and other parties in early results from across England.

Trouble for Tories predicted in early results of England's local elections

According to a latest opinion poll, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservative party will lose nearly 550 seats in the upcoming local elections. It would be the worst showing since Tony Blair was Labour leader in the 1990s.

UK Local Election: Survey predicts heaviest losses for Tories in years

Survey: Tories 'set to lose 550 seats' in UK local elections

Joe Biden said "India has its own problems" while talking about the ideological tussle between autocracies and the alliance of democracies. What problem is Biden talking about? How should India see this comment? Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: Tories allege 'Basic Instinct' ploy to distract Boris

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing stinging criticism back home. In a humiliating blow to his political image, Johnson's own conservative MPs have turned against him, a number of conservative party members broke ranks and indicated that UK prime minister no longer had their support.

Boris Johnson faces probe into partygate scandal, 6 Tories call upon UK PM's resignation

Recent polls have predicted Tories set to lose the 2024 elections. Pre-poll survey says the conservative party to lose around 800 council seats. Can conservatives turn the tide ahead of the 2024 polls?

Can conservatives turn the tide ahead of 2024 polls?

<p>Top members of the Conservative Party have dashed Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak's hopes of becoming British prime minister as per a report published in 'The Observer'.</p>

<p>His popularity has plummeted in recent weeks after he accused critics of mounting a "smear" campaign against his wealthy Indian wife Akshata Murthy.</p>

<p>She is the daughter of Indian billionaire N. R. Narayana Murthy and was condemned for shielding the overseas income from her family's company Infosys against UK taxes.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Murthy owns about 0.9 per cent of the company. Last year, this entitled her to a dividend payment worth 11.6 million pounds ($15.12 million).</p>

<p>Sunak also came under the most sustained pressure since he became finance minister in 2020 due to his decision to increase payroll taxes at a time when surging inflation leaves Britons facing the biggest cost-of-living squeeze since records began in 1956.</p>

<p>“The worry is that this is symptomatic of a party in terminal decline and that we are in a death spiral,” a former Tory minister told the Observer.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-finance-minister-rishi-sunaks-wife-agrees-to-pay-more-tax-on-foreign-income-469592">Also read |&nbsp;British finance minister Rishi Sunak's wife agrees to pay more tax on foreign income</a></strong></p>

<p>“He (Sunak) has shown colossal naivety and the way he has arranged his affairs does not suggest he is even committed to the UK, but that he is keeping open the option of a career in finance in the United States.”</p>

<p>Sunak has confirmed media reports that he only gave up a "green card" for the United States&nbsp;after he became Britain's finance minister.</p>

<p>His&nbsp;approval ratings have dropped to a new low of -15, which is even lesser than Prime Minister Boris Johnson's as per the latest opinion poll for the Observer.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rishi-sunak-to-priti-patel-who-could-replace-uk-pm-boris-johnson-448996">Also see |&nbsp;From Rishi Sunak to Priti Patel: Who could replace UK PM Boris Johnson?</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Sunday Times newspaper reported that Sunak considered whether he should resign this week after a storm of criticism over his wife's tax status.</p>

<p>"He was considering whether he could withstand his family taking this any more," the newspaper quoted an unidentified source as saying.</p>

<p>“There’s going to be a full Cabinet Office and HM Treasury investigation into who had that information and if anyone has requested that information. Divulging the tax status of a private individual is a criminal offence.”</p>

<p>“The timing is terrible. I think his problem is that taxes have gone up a lot in his period as chancellor, which is not popular in the party or country. And we have a cost-of-living crisis. None of this looks good,” said another third senior figure in the party.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Top members of the Conservative Party have dashed Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak's hopes of becoming British prime minister as per a report published in 'The Observer'.

Top members of the Conservative Party have dashed Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak's hopes of becoming British prime minister as per a report published in 'The Observer'. His popularity has plummeted in recent weeks after he accused critics of mounting a "smear" campaign against his wealthy Indian wife Akshata Murthy. She is the daughter of Indian billionaire N. R. Narayana Murthy and was condemned for shielding the overseas income from her family's company Infosys against UK taxes. Murthy owns about 0.9 per cent of the company. Last year, this entitled her to a dividend payment worth 11.6 million pounds ($15.12 million). Sunak also came under the most sustained pressure since he became finance minister in 2020 due to his decision to increase payroll taxes at a time when surging inflation leaves Britons facing the biggest cost-of-living squeeze since records began in 1956. “The worry is that this is symptomatic of a party in terminal decline and that we are in a death spiral,” a former Tory minister told the Observer. Also read | British finance minister Rishi Sunak's wife agrees to pay more tax on foreign income “He (Sunak) has shown colossal naivety and the way he has arranged his affairs does not suggest he is even committed to the UK, but that he is keeping open the option of a career in finance in the United States.” Sunak has confirmed media reports that he only gave up a "green card" for the United States after he became Britain's finance minister. His approval ratings have dropped to a new low of -15, which is even lesser than Prime Minister Boris Johnson's as per the latest opinion poll for the Observer. Also see | From Rishi Sunak to Priti Patel: Who could replace UK PM Boris Johnson? Meanwhile, the Sunday Times newspaper reported that Sunak considered whether he should resign this week after a storm of criticism over his wife's tax status. "He was considering whether he could withstand his family taking this any more," the newspaper quoted an unidentified source as saying. “There’s going to be a full Cabinet Office and HM Treasury investigation into who had that information and if anyone has requested that information. Divulging the tax status of a private individual is a criminal offence.” “The timing is terrible. I think his problem is that taxes have gone up a lot in his period as chancellor, which is not popular in the party or country. And we have a cost-of-living crisis. None of this looks good,” said another third senior figure in the party. (With inputs from agencies)

Top members of Conservative Party dash Rishi Sunak's hopes of becoming British prime minister: Report

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidWiIRHinSnlNX" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>After helping the Conservatives win a large majority in the 2019 election, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been facing increased grumblings of discontent within his party by the lawmakers and also common people in the country have been criticising him over a range of issues.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Handling of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, reported Downing Street garden parties during the lockdown, questions over who funded a pricey refurbishment of his apartment and the chaotic&nbsp;troops withdrawal from Afghanistan are some of the hot topics that have marred Johnson's&nbsp;tenure so far.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His popularity has seen a dip&nbsp;in the country and now a latest poll shows that nearly half of all Conservative members believe UK's Finance Minister Rishi Sunak would make a better Prime Minister than Johnson and they also think he could win more seats at the next election.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnsons-former-aide-talks-about-another-party-in-no-10-garden-during-lockdown-in-2020-443153">UK PM Boris Johnson's former aide talks about another party in No 10 garden during lockdown in 2020</a></strong></p>

<p>An exclusive poll for Sky News named YouGov assessed data after a survey of 1,005 Tories, which took place between December 30 and January 6. As per the survey, 46 per cent think that Sunak would win more seats in the next election and almost four in 10 say they think Boris is doing a bad job as the country's Prime Minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, some breather for PM Johnson as amid&nbsp;the growing concerns, a majority still supports him with 59 per cent saying he should remain as leader, compared to the 34 per cent who want him to stand down. But is 59 a good percent for the Conservatives ahead of the next election?.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-is-deltacron-a-new-variant-a-uk-virologist-explains-what-it-could-possibly-be-443546">COVID-19: Is 'Deltacron' a new variant? A UK virologist explains what it could possibly be</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>A leadership contest?</strong></p>

<p>The poll reflects&nbsp;the mood of Johnson's lawmakers amid the ongoing controversies. But will there be any leadership challenge in the country? Yes, it can be triggered if 15 per cent of Conservative members of parliament (MPs) write letters demanding a confidence vote to the chairman of the party's "1922 Committee", which represents lawmakers who have no government jobs.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Who could replace Johnson?</strong></p>

<p>Possible replacements of Boris Johnson are Sunak, who has had a high profile role in publicising the government's support for the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic and foreign minister Liz Truss, who is popular among grassroots party members.&nbsp;</p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


After helping the Conservatives win a large majority in the 2019 election, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been facing increased grumblings of discontent within his party by the lawmakers and also common people in the country have been criticising him over a range of issues.

After helping the Conservatives win a large majority in the 2019 election, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been facing increased grumblings of discontent within his party by the lawmakers and also common people in the country have been criticising him over a range of issues. Handling of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, reported Downing Street garden parties during the lockdown, questions over who funded a pricey refurbishment of his apartment and the chaotic troops withdrawal from Afghanistan are some of the hot topics that have marred Johnson's tenure so far. His popularity has seen a dip in the country and now a latest poll shows that nearly half of all Conservative members believe UK's Finance Minister Rishi Sunak would make a better Prime Minister than Johnson and they also think he could win more seats at the next election. ALSO READ | UK PM Boris Johnson's former aide talks about another party in No 10 garden during lockdown in 2020 An exclusive poll for Sky News named YouGov assessed data after a survey of 1,005 Tories, which took place between December 30 and January 6. As per the survey, 46 per cent think that Sunak would win more seats in the next election and almost four in 10 say they think Boris is doing a bad job as the country's Prime Minister. However, some breather for PM Johnson as amid the growing concerns, a majority still supports him with 59 per cent saying he should remain as leader, compared to the 34 per cent who want him to stand down. But is 59 a good percent for the Conservatives ahead of the next election?. ALSO READ | COVID-19: Is 'Deltacron' a new variant? A UK virologist explains what it could possibly be A leadership contest? The poll reflects the mood of Johnson's lawmakers amid the ongoing controversies. But will there be any leadership challenge in the country? Yes, it can be triggered if 15 per cent of Conservative members of parliament (MPs) write letters demanding a confidence vote to the chairman of the party's "1922 Committee", which represents lawmakers who have no government jobs. Who could replace Johnson? Possible replacements of Boris Johnson are Sunak, who has had a high profile role in publicising the government's support for the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic and foreign minister Liz Truss, who is popular among grassroots party members. × (With inputs from agencies)

Rishi Sunak would be a better prime minister for UK than Boris Johnson: Poll

<p>British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing a rebellion as members of the parliament are set to vote on the latest coronavirus restrictions imposed by him.</p>

<p>At least 60 angry Tory MPs are reported to be set to rebel over the restrictions at a series of votes to make them law.</p>

<p>These include the government's new rules on mask-wearing, testing, self-isolation, and vaccine passes, warning they undermine public freedoms.</p>

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<p>They have accused Johnson and his ministers of enforcing "disproportionate" curbs based on incomplete evidence.</p>

<p>Despite having a majority with 80 seats, that has forced the government to turn to the main opposition Labour party, which supports the package, to push the votes through.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/caught-red-handed-uk-pm-boris-johnson-partook-in-christmas-quiz-at-no-10-in-2020-436196" hreflang="en">Caught red-handed? UK PM Boris Johnson partook in Christmas quiz at No 10 in 2020</a></strong></p>

<p>This comes after Johnson faced criticism over reported parties in his Downing Street office last year when such gatherings were banned during a coronavirus lockdown, questions over who funded a pricey refurbishment of his apartment, and the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.</p>

<p>Defending Johnson, Health Secretary Sajid Javid said Omicron was "a grave threat" and even though hospital admissions were low, action was needed.</p>

<p>"They are measures that I think the situation demands, because when the facts change, our response must change too," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/conservative-party-loses-poll-lead-over-labour-after-johnsons-christmas-party-scandal-435847" hreflang="en">Conservative Party loses poll lead over Labour after Johnson's Christmas party scandal</a></strong></p>

<p>Several Conservative lawmakers say some colleagues have written letters of no confidence in Johnson, the first step required to seek a leadership challenge.</p>

<p>The Conservatives have 361 MPs, so 55 would need to write such letters for a confidence vote to be called.</p>

<p>"The Conservative party has always been very ruthless when it comes to getting rid of leaders that were not working," said political commentator Robin Pettitt.</p>

<p>Johnson swept to power in 2019 on a wave of popular support for his pledge to enforce Britain's departure from the European Union.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing a rebellion as members of the parliament are set to vote on the latest coronavirus restrictions imposed by him. At least 60 angry Tory MPs are reported to be set to rebel over the restrictions at a series of votes to make them law.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing a rebellion as members of the parliament are set to vote on the latest coronavirus restrictions imposed by him. At least 60 angry Tory MPs are reported to be set to rebel over the restrictions at a series of votes to make them law. These include the government's new rules on mask-wearing, testing, self-isolation, and vaccine passes, warning they undermine public freedoms. They have accused Johnson and his ministers of enforcing "disproportionate" curbs based on incomplete evidence. Despite having a majority with 80 seats, that has forced the government to turn to the main opposition Labour party, which supports the package, to push the votes through. Also read | Caught red-handed? UK PM Boris Johnson partook in Christmas quiz at No 10 in 2020 This comes after Johnson faced criticism over reported parties in his Downing Street office last year when such gatherings were banned during a coronavirus lockdown, questions over who funded a pricey refurbishment of his apartment, and the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. Defending Johnson, Health Secretary Sajid Javid said Omicron was "a grave threat" and even though hospital admissions were low, action was needed. "They are measures that I think the situation demands, because when the facts change, our response must change too," he said. Also read | Conservative Party loses poll lead over Labour after Johnson's Christmas party scandal Several Conservative lawmakers say some colleagues have written letters of no confidence in Johnson, the first step required to seek a leadership challenge. The Conservatives have 361 MPs, so 55 would need to write such letters for a confidence vote to be called. "The Conservative party has always been very ruthless when it comes to getting rid of leaders that were not working," said political commentator Robin Pettitt. Johnson swept to power in 2019 on a wave of popular support for his pledge to enforce Britain's departure from the European Union. (With inputs from agencies)

Angry Conservative MPs can rebel against UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson

<p>The Conservative Party in the UK lost their poll lead after a video of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Christmas party amid last year's lockdown went viral.</p>

<p>The rating of the party, also known as Tories dropped 3 percentage points from December 2 to 33 per cent of the vote while Labour rose 4 percentage points to 37 per cent in the poll conducted by YouGov.</p>

<p>Another poll held by Survation put Labour on 40 per cent of the vote, up 1 percentage point, and Johnson's Conservatives down 2 to 34 per cent.</p>

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<p>Party furor deepened for Britain's Johnson after Downing Street Press Secretary Allegra Stratton quit.</p>

<p>She was seen at a rehearsal for a daily briefing laughing and joking about a reported gathering.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-party-video-row-uk-pm-johnsons-adviser-allegra-stratton-quits-435333"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;'Covid party' video row: UK PM Johnson's adviser Allegra Stratton quits</strong></a></p>

<p>At the time, there were limits on numbers allowed at social gatherings, including a ban on mixing between households, that forced millions to cancel their Christmas plans.</p>

<p>Several snap polls indicated a majority of people now think Johnson should resign.</p>

<p>Earlier, the Conservative Party was fined $23,500 for funding a renovation at Johnson's official residence as it failed to properly disclose a donation of $90,000.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/work-from-home-and-vaccine-passports-uk-pm-introduces-plan-b-to-battle-surge-in-covid-cases-435295"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Work from home and vaccine passports: UK PM introduces Plan B to battle surge in Covid cases</strong></a></p>

<p>Johnson has faced criticism in recent months over his handling of a sleaze scandal along with a claim he intervened to ensure pets were evacuated from Kabul during the chaotic Western withdrawal in August.</p>

<p>Matt Hancock had resigned in June as health secretary after he broke social distancing rules he urged everyone to follow by being pictured in a steamy clinch with an aide.</p>

<p>Johnson's former closest aide, Dominic Cummings, sparked fury by driving across the country while suffering Covid symptoms during the first lockdown.</p>

<p>In 2019, Johnson had won a landslide victory and procured 365 of 650 seats with Brexit as his main focus.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Conservative Party in the UK lost their poll lead after a video of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Christmas party amid last year's lockdown went viral. The rating of the party, also known as Tories dropped 3 percentage points from December 2 to 33 per cent of the vote while Labour rose 4 percentage points to 37 per cent in the poll conducted by YouGov.

The Conservative Party in the UK lost their poll lead after a video of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Christmas party amid last year's lockdown went viral. The rating of the party, also known as Tories dropped 3 percentage points from December 2 to 33 per cent of the vote while Labour rose 4 percentage points to 37 per cent in the poll conducted by YouGov. Another poll held by Survation put Labour on 40 per cent of the vote, up 1 percentage point, and Johnson's Conservatives down 2 to 34 per cent. Party furor deepened for Britain's Johnson after Downing Street Press Secretary Allegra Stratton quit. She was seen at a rehearsal for a daily briefing laughing and joking about a reported gathering. Also read | 'Covid party' video row: UK PM Johnson's adviser Allegra Stratton quits At the time, there were limits on numbers allowed at social gatherings, including a ban on mixing between households, that forced millions to cancel their Christmas plans. Several snap polls indicated a majority of people now think Johnson should resign. Earlier, the Conservative Party was fined $23,500 for funding a renovation at Johnson's official residence as it failed to properly disclose a donation of $90,000. Also read | Work from home and vaccine passports: UK PM introduces Plan B to battle surge in Covid cases Johnson has faced criticism in recent months over his handling of a sleaze scandal along with a claim he intervened to ensure pets were evacuated from Kabul during the chaotic Western withdrawal in August. Matt Hancock had resigned in June as health secretary after he broke social distancing rules he urged everyone to follow by being pictured in a steamy clinch with an aide. Johnson's former closest aide, Dominic Cummings, sparked fury by driving across the country while suffering Covid symptoms during the first lockdown. In 2019, Johnson had won a landslide victory and procured 365 of 650 seats with Brexit as his main focus. (With inputs from agencies)

Conservative Party loses poll lead over Labour after Johnson's Christmas party scandal

<p>The British are far fatter than any other nation in Europe bar the Maltese so there needs to be a debate about how to tackle soaring rates of obesity which cost the country dearly, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday.</p>

<p>Johnson, who said at the start of the year that he needed to lose weight, was hospitalised in April with coronavirus and treated in intensive care with oxygen. He later said doctors in the National Health Service (NHS) had saved his life.</p>

<p>Asked about how ill he had been in an interview with Times Radio, Johnson said: "I did lose some weight - that is perfectly true - as you do in ICU (Intensive Care Unit)."<br />
<br />
<strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netizens-lash-out-at-british-pm-boris-johnson-after-his-press-ups-309417" hreflang="en">Netizens lash out at British PM Boris Johnson after his 'press ups'</a></p>

<p>"I have taken a very libertarian stance on obesity but actually when you look at the numbers, when you look at the pressure on the NHS, compare, I'm afraid this wonderful country of ours to other European countries, we are significantly fatter than most others, apart from the Maltese for some reason. It is an issue."</p>

<p>The United Kingdom has one of the highest rates of obesity in the world: nearly one in three adults are obese, according to the OECD. Worldwide, obesity has nearly tripled since 1975 and more than 650 million people are obese - defined by the World Health Organization as having a Body Mass Index of 30 or greater.</p>

<p><strong>"HUGELY COSTLY"</strong></p>

<p>Johnson, who in his youth was slender, has ditched takeaways since his illness and even told meetings that “it’s all right for you thinnies” when discussing the novel coronavirus, British media reported.</p>

<p>"I am not going to pretend I have original thinking about this nor am I going to pretend that it is easy for politicians to solve - everybody knows that this is a tough one," Johnson said. "It's something we all need to address."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-pm-to-unveil-new-infrastructure-plan-to-revive-economy-in-face-of-pandemic-309188" hreflang="en">Britain PM to unveil new infrastructure plan to revive economy in face of pandemic</a></p>

<p>Asked if he was now an interventionist who would support a sugar tax, Johnson did not give a direct answer.</p>

<p>"We certainly must have a care for the health of our population and we will be happier and fitter and more resistant to diseases like COVID if we can tackle obesity," Johnson said. "It is hugely costly for the NHS."</p>

<p>Johnson did some press ups to show he was "as fit as a butcher's dog" in an interview with the Mail on Sunday newspaper.</p>

<p>Asked if he did the press ups because there was a narrative that he was not fit, he said: "Well I certainly hope not. Well no, yes."</p>

<p>"When I came out of hospital I did notice there were occasional pieces in the papers saying I was looking a bit wraithlike, or something someone said," Johnson said. "Complete nonsense I want you to know."</p>

<p>"I am feeling very well, yes thank you, again thanks to our National Health Service," he said.</p>


The British are far fatter than any other nation in Europe bar the Maltese so there needs to be a debate about how to tackle soaring rates of obesity which cost the country dearly, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday.

The British are far fatter than any other nation in Europe bar the Maltese so there needs to be a debate about how to tackle soaring rates of obesity which cost the country dearly, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday. Johnson, who said at the start of the year that he needed to lose weight, was hospitalised in April with coronavirus and treated in intensive care with oxygen. He later said doctors in the National Health Service (NHS) had saved his life. Asked about how ill he had been in an interview with Times Radio, Johnson said: "I did lose some weight - that is perfectly true - as you do in ICU (Intensive Care Unit)." Also read: Netizens lash out at British PM Boris Johnson after his 'press ups' "I have taken a very libertarian stance on obesity but actually when you look at the numbers, when you look at the pressure on the NHS, compare, I'm afraid this wonderful country of ours to other European countries, we are significantly fatter than most others, apart from the Maltese for some reason. It is an issue." The United Kingdom has one of the highest rates of obesity in the world: nearly one in three adults are obese, according to the OECD. Worldwide, obesity has nearly tripled since 1975 and more than 650 million people are obese - defined by the World Health Organization as having a Body Mass Index of 30 or greater. "HUGELY COSTLY" Johnson, who in his youth was slender, has ditched takeaways since his illness and even told meetings that “it’s all right for you thinnies” when discussing the novel coronavirus, British media reported. "I am not going to pretend I have original thinking about this nor am I going to pretend that it is easy for politicians to solve - everybody knows that this is a tough one," Johnson said. "It's something we all need to address." Also read: Britain PM to unveil new infrastructure plan to revive economy in face of pandemic Asked if he was now an interventionist who would support a sugar tax, Johnson did not give a direct answer. "We certainly must have a care for the health of our population and we will be happier and fitter and more resistant to diseases like COVID if we can tackle obesity," Johnson said. "It is hugely costly for the NHS." Johnson did some press ups to show he was "as fit as a butcher's dog" in an interview with the Mail on Sunday newspaper. Asked if he did the press ups because there was a narrative that he was not fit, he said: "Well I certainly hope not. Well no, yes." "When I came out of hospital I did notice there were occasional pieces in the papers saying I was looking a bit wraithlike, or something someone said," Johnson said. "Complete nonsense I want you to know." "I am feeling very well, yes thank you, again thanks to our National Health Service," he said.

The British are fatter than the rest of Europe, says PM Johnson

<p>British <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/uk-election-what-boris-johnsons-victory-means-for-britains-place-in-the-world-268495">Prime Minister Boris&nbsp;Johnson</a>&nbsp;will welcome 109 new Conservative lawmakers to parliament on Monday, promising to honour his election-winning pledges to get Brexit done as soon as possible and boost funding for the state health service.</p>

<p>After securing a commanding majority in last week's vote,&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;will seek to speed up approval by parliament of his withdrawal agreement with the European Union, and start ploughing money into health, education and the police.</p>

<p>The prime minister, who won over many traditional supporters of the main opposition Labour Party in northern and central England, has proclaimed he will lead a "people's government" and "repay the public's trust by getting Brexit done".</p>

<p>"This election and the new generation of MPs (members of parliament) that have resulted from Labour towns turning blue will help change our politics for the better," said a source in&nbsp;Johnson's Downing Street official residence.</p>

<p>"The PM has been very clear that we have a responsibility to deliver a better future for our country and that we must repay the public's trust by getting Brexit done."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch:&nbsp;UK PM Boris Johnson promises the speedy Brexit, to happen before January 31</strong></p>

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<p>The government will bring the Withdrawal Agreement Bill back to parliament on Friday, but it is not yet clear whether there will be a vote because it needs the agreement of the House of Commons' new speaker.</p>

<p>But with such a large majority, he is expected to get the bill through parliament by his deadline.</p>

<p>The priority is to leave the EU on January&nbsp;31 and then secure a trade agreement with the bloc before the end of next year,&nbsp;Johnson's spokesman said.</p>

<p>"We plan to start the process before Christmas and we will do so in the proper constitutional way in discussion with the speaker," he said, adding that the Brexit bill would reflect the agreement made with the EU.</p>

<p>In a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/queen-elizabeth-to-set-out-pm-johnsons-agenda-on-thursday-268326">Queen's Speech</a> on Thursday setting out his government's programme,&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;will also promise more funds for Britain's much-loved but struggling public health service - a pledge he plans to enshrine in law.</p>

<p>After more than three years of debate over Brexit,&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;wants to move quickly to try to unite a country riven by disagreements over how, when or whether Britain should <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-urges-healing-for-brexit-bound-britain-268237">leave the EU</a>. Towns, villages and even families have been fractured.</p>

<p>Brexit has also scrambled traditional party loyalties, with&nbsp;Johnson's Conservatives going into Thursday's election pledging a swift Brexit, in stark contrast to Jeremy Corbyn's Labour, which promised a second referendum on EU membership.</p>

<p>The election saw Labour suffer its worst result since 1935 as many of its supporters who wanted to leave the EU switched to the Conservatives. The opposition party is expected to appoint a new leader by early next year.</p>

<p>Johnson&nbsp;is keen to hold on to those voters who supported the Conservatives, many for the first time, and is likely to retool his government next year to deliver his election promises.</p>

<p>For now, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-will-repay-your-trust-uk-pm-johnson-tells-ex-labour-voters-on-trip-to-north-268312">prime minister</a> will appoint three new ministers to fill vacant positions and keep any changes to a minimum before Britain leaves the EU on January&nbsp;31.</p>

<p>"By getting Brexit done, this One Nation Conservative government will help this country move forward," the source said. "Our job is to serve the people of this country, and the people's government will deliver on the people's priorities."</p>


British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will welcome 109 new Conservative lawmakers to parliament on Monday, promising to honour his election-winning pledges to get Brexit done as soon as possible and boost funding for the state health service.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will welcome 109 new Conservative lawmakers to parliament on Monday, promising to honour his election-winning pledges to get Brexit done as soon as possible and boost funding for the state health service. After securing a commanding majority in last week's vote, Johnson will seek to speed up approval by parliament of his withdrawal agreement with the European Union, and start ploughing money into health, education and the police. The prime minister, who won over many traditional supporters of the main opposition Labour Party in northern and central England, has proclaimed he will lead a "people's government" and "repay the public's trust by getting Brexit done". "This election and the new generation of MPs (members of parliament) that have resulted from Labour towns turning blue will help change our politics for the better," said a source in Johnson's Downing Street official residence. "The PM has been very clear that we have a responsibility to deliver a better future for our country and that we must repay the public's trust by getting Brexit done." Also watch: UK PM Boris Johnson promises the speedy Brexit, to happen before January 31 × The government will bring the Withdrawal Agreement Bill back to parliament on Friday, but it is not yet clear whether there will be a vote because it needs the agreement of the House of Commons' new speaker. But with such a large majority, he is expected to get the bill through parliament by his deadline. The priority is to leave the EU on January 31 and then secure a trade agreement with the bloc before the end of next year, Johnson's spokesman said. "We plan to start the process before Christmas and we will do so in the proper constitutional way in discussion with the speaker," he said, adding that the Brexit bill would reflect the agreement made with the EU. In a Queen's Speech on Thursday setting out his government's programme, Johnson will also promise more funds for Britain's much-loved but struggling public health service - a pledge he plans to enshrine in law. After more than three years of debate over Brexit, Johnson wants to move quickly to try to unite a country riven by disagreements over how, when or whether Britain should leave the EU. Towns, villages and even families have been fractured. Brexit has also scrambled traditional party loyalties, with Johnson's Conservatives going into Thursday's election pledging a swift Brexit, in stark contrast to Jeremy Corbyn's Labour, which promised a second referendum on EU membership. The election saw Labour suffer its worst result since 1935 as many of its supporters who wanted to leave the EU switched to the Conservatives. The opposition party is expected to appoint a new leader by early next year. Johnson is keen to hold on to those voters who supported the Conservatives, many for the first time, and is likely to retool his government next year to deliver his election promises. For now, the prime minister will appoint three new ministers to fill vacant positions and keep any changes to a minimum before Britain leaves the EU on January 31. "By getting Brexit done, this One Nation Conservative government will help this country move forward," the source said. "Our job is to serve the people of this country, and the people's government will deliver on the people's priorities."

Welcoming new lawmakers, PM Johnson vows a speedy Brexit

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