With what courage an entire country is put into lockdown and in the meantime they organize themselves party after party in Downing Street, mocking the sacrifices of ordinary citizens? It's a question that British newspapers have been asking for weeks, first with incredulity then – as the number of parties organized in the seat of government multiplied – with ever more dismay and anger. On January 10, however, the straw that makes (or will soon) overflow the camel may have arrived for Boris Johnson, forced to cover his head with ashes and to apologize in front of the British Parliament.
What happened? British TV channel on Monday ITV published an internal email, sent by the Prime Minister's personal secretary, in which they invited each other over 100 people at a party in Downing Street garden for 20 May 2020. The text leaves no room for interpretation:
“Hi everyone, after an incredibly busy period we thought it would be nice to take advantage of the good weather and have a drink together from a safe distance tonight in the garden of the Prime Minister's residence. You are invited from 18, e bring a bottle with you! "
The party was organized at the same time that Britons were confined to their homes because the government led by Boris Johnson had imposed harsh restrictions in order to contain the infections from Covid-19. There was the possibility of going out, but only one person could be met at a time, only outdoors and at a distance of two meters. Pubs, restaurants and schools were closed. So it's easy to guess what it was the reaction of public opinion Brittany to the news of a crowded party in the most famous house in the Kingdom, all the more so considering that last month at least other five parties held in Downing Street between November and December 2020.
The Prime Minister had already been directly implicated in the scandal, they are now renaming "Partygate”, for an “aperitif” made on May 15, 2020 together with his wife and some collaborators. On that occasion, of which all the world's newspapers published photos, Johnson justified himself by speaking of "a business meeting". On the events that took place 5 days later, however, things went much worse. During the traditional Wednesday question time in the House of Commons, with a resigned voice and in evident difficulty, the Premier was forced to apologize publicly. "I apologize, I offer my most sincere apologies to all citizens,” he said after admitting to attending the party. Then the justification, hardly credible according to many: “I didn't realize it was a party, I went there because I wanted to say hello to all the workers, and the garden is an extension of the offices and workplace in Downing Street, so I'm convinced I followed the rules. However, I take responsibility for what happened."
The Government has launched an internal investigation into the matter, which adds to that of Scotland Yard, which has already contacted the government offices to verify if there have been violations. Meanwhile, Labor leader Keir Starmer has asked the Conservative Premier to resign. In Parliament, Starmer called Johnson's apology "worthless", accusing him of lying to the House and the British people.
Whatever the next steps of the affair, what is certain that the government's credibility in general and of Boris Johnson in particular is taking blows that are difficult to parry. And it can also be seen in the polls: for months all the main surveys have been giving the Labor Party ahead by at least six points, not counting the historic defeat suffered in the December supplementary elections, where the Conservatives lost a seat they had held for two centuries.
Also beware of friendly fire. The discontent within the Conservative Party they continue to grow and some say that between one party and another the anti-Johnson front is finding new supporters day by day. Indeed, one would already be thinking about the name of the next leader of the party (and therefore of the Government). In pole position there would be the chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, and above all the current foreign minister Liz Truss, appointed a few weeks ago responsible for Brexit in place of the outgoing David Frost.
Busy weeks are therefore ahead of Boris Johnson. The Prime Minister will have to try to recover the consensus lost due to the scandals (the controversy over the renovation of his private apartment is added to Partygate) and the discontent with the management of the Covid-19 pandemic. His government could have an expiration date: they will be held in May administrative elections and Johnson's fate will depend on this appointment. If the Tories manage to win, the Downing Street seat could be saved. If not, her fate is already sealed. Provided that in the meantime no other parties come up to definitively put an end to the patience of the British.
The article was updated at 15.21 on Wednesday 12 January.
