Boris Johnson Apologises Again After Partygate Fallout
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has issued an unreserved apology, admitting, “I repeat that was my mistake and I apologise for it unreservedly.” But the backlash is growing fierce.
Starmer Slams Johnson as “Dishonest” and “A Joke”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer didn’t hold back, branding Johnson “dishonest” and “a joke” amid the ongoing partygate scandal. The drama intensified when former Tory chief whip Mark Harper publicly revealed he’s submitted a letter of no confidence in the Prime Minister.
Harper hit out, saying Johnson is “no longer able to deliver the principled leadership required to take our country forward.” The Tory 1922 Committee needs just 54 letters to trigger a leadership contest — a tally yet unknown but watched closely by political insiders.
Opposition Demands Resignation, Tories Mostly Stand Firm
- Labour, the Lib Dems, SNP, and Plaid Cymru have all called on Johnson to quit immediately.
- Most Tory MPs, except Mark Harper, continue to back their leader.
- SNP leader Ian Blackford slammed Johnson as a “serial offender,” claiming the apology came only because he was caught.
Thursday’s Crucial Vote Could Spark New Investigation
All eyes are now on a Parliament debate this Thursday, which will examine whether Johnson misled MPs by insisting all Covid rules were followed at Downing Street. Although a government defeat seems unlikely, a loss would trigger a probe into Johnson’s honesty—possibly leading to contempt of Parliament charges, suspension, or both.
Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey urged the Prime Minister to allow Tory MPs a free vote on the issue:
“If the Prime Minister won’t resign, will he at least give Conservative MPs on Thursday a free vote so they can decide for themselves whether he deliberately misled Parliament or was just so incompetent that he didn’t even understand his own laws?”
Johnson rejected Davey’s call, saying, “I disagree profoundly with what he’s just said but I repeat my apology to the country.” The coming days promise more political fireworks in this escalating crisis.
