No fewer than 354 members of the British House of Commons agreed with the findings of a committee of inquiry into the so-called partygate scandal. Only seven supported former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the pivot of the investigation. “This appears to be the last tentative piece of partygate,” says former British correspondent Peter de Waard.
Everyone expected that Johnson would not emerge victorious in the vote. Especially after the former premier himself had already decided last week to resign as a deputy. “But that only seven members would have voted for Johnson is surprising,” says De Waard. “While he is the man who pulled off the biggest Conservative win in history over three years ago.”
“Boris still remains very popular in the UK”
The vote was to determine whether MPs agreed with the recommendations and findings of an inquiry into the so-called partygate scandal – a series of parties at Johnson’s official residence during the crown lockdowns.
Criminal prosecution is possible
According to De Waard, we can consider it as the provisional final piece of the whole partygate affair. “Although there can always be a criminal case,” says the former correspondent. “Because at the time it really was a crime. While many Britons couldn’t even attend the funeral of a loved one, Johnson threw parties or at least knew they were taking place. And he lied about that too.’
That doesn’t mean Johnson is out of the picture entirely. “Boris still remains very popular in the UK.” Perhaps that is why Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his cabinet members were not present at the vote. They don’t want to get their hands dirty. They all had an excuse not to be there.” According to De Waard, “they are afraid of antagonizing conservative voters”.
The goalkeeper will no longer let him in
But it’s a new nick in the former mayor of London’s image. The fact that she even had to hand in her pass to visit parliament makes it all the more painful. Normally, former members of parliament can also enter. “This is the first time this has happened,” says De Waard. “If Johnson is at the door early, the doorman will tell him he can’t get back in.”
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
