Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson was put before a panel today to thoroughly investigate the “partygate” scandal from during the Covid-19 Pandemic (Boris Johnson gives evidence on partygate, 2023). This was a period of time where Boris Johnson allegedly broke the very lockdown rules which he himself set. Whilst there have been many examples of individuals attempting to hold him to account for his actions, current MPs, journalists, and members of the public have never had a thorough response from him. The meeting today had the resources and the time to put into the situation to fully understand the events. His aim is to give evidence that he did not lie to parliament in 2022 when the investigation began.
Johnson’s first blunder became apparent when he states that the photos of him shown at the meet ups (which were shown to the cross-party panel) were of him at work and not any form of social gathering. Unfortunately, Johnson weakened his story as he later said that his wife and son were at his birthday party in May 2020. Thus confirming that these were not the necessary meetings that were allegedly occurring.
Another time in which Johnson portrayed himself in a negative light was when he lost his temper when questioned over who gave him the advice on the situation. This occurred when Conservative MP Bernard Jenkin told him that he “did not take proper advice” to this Johnson stated that it was “complete nonsense”. However, he did refuse to state who his sources were throughout the conversation and did not end up revealing them.
At the time of “partygate” the rule was that preferably there would be two metres of social distance. However, this could be reduced to one if other necessary elements were in place. Johnson defended himself and argued that despite there not being any Pyrex screens, there was sanitiser. Whilst he may have been following the rules in some instances, some critics of him have argued that the prime minister should follow their own rules perfectly and set a precedent for the country.
Whilst it is respectful that Johnson has attempted to amend his errors, he is of the opinion that he “hand on heart” did not lie to Parliament. Perhaps this has come too late and the damage was done too many times for there to be any form of legitimacy behind his explanations. The reaction to this meeting will ascertain whether his political career is over.
Edited by: Kyenila Taylor.
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