Downing Street denied a report over Easter weekend that Johnson allegedly initiated the celebration at his office, gathering colleagues and pouring drinks at an event investigated by police. A statement from the Prime Minister is expected in the House of Commons on Tuesday, when the British Parliament returns from the Easter recess. Johnson received a police fine last week for one of the parties. This makes him the first incumbent prime minister to break the law.
In his statement, however, Johnson reportedly wants to argue that there are more important issues at hand – like the Ukraine war or the cost-of-living crisis – and that his colleagues should focus on those rather than past parties.
It is possible, however, that the Speaker of the House of Commons, Lindsay Hoyle, will allow a vote on whether Johnson will be sent to a committee to determine whether he has broken the so-called Ministerial Code – a kind of code of conduct for members of the government.
The “Partygate” affair had put Johnson under massive pressure for months. A number of MPs from his own ranks also publicly called for his resignation. Since the outbreak of war, however, a vote of no confidence in the prime minister has become less likely. Some harsh critics have since rowed back. However, more penalties for Johnson could follow.
Source: Nachrichten
