Boris Johnson is rumoured to have hosted an illegal BYOB gathering of up to 50 people at 10 Downing St during Britain’s tight 2020 lockdown.
When questioned on the events of May 2020, that being an illegal party on Downing St, Johnson has referred, in classic political spirit, to the investigation rather than the allegation itself.
Apparently, the PM needs an investigation to tell him whether he attended a party at his own house.
In an interview with Sky News conducted on Monday, Johnson was asked whether he and his wife Carrie Symonds attended a Downing Street party on the 20th of May. His reply was brief and elusive, countering that, “All that, as you know, is the subject of a proper investigation by Sue Gray.”
Invites for Johnson’s backyard gathering were issued by the PM’s principal private secretary Martin Reynolds via email. This email, un-leaked until recently, read, “After what has been an incredibly busy period we thought it would be nice to make the most of this lovely weather and have some socially distanced drinks in the No 10 garden this evening.”
Reynolds continued jovially, “Please join us from 6PM and bring your own booze!”
Crucially, this invitation came just hours after Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden had told the public that they were only allowed to see one person outside in a socially-distanced manner.
“Unlike Boris Johnson I can tell you that I wasn’t at the Downing Street drinks party during lockdown because, unlike Boris Johnson, I don’t think the rules are just for other people.” pic.twitter.com/SQtJx4e25b
— Larry the Cat (@Number10cat) January 11, 2022
These rumours have sparked widespread outrage throughout Great Britain. A snap polling by Savanta Comres has shown that 66% believe that Johnson should resign from the position of Prime Minister.
This is only the latest, albeit most severe allegation of Johnson breaking COVID rules to suit his personal interests. A picture from the 15th of May 2020 shows Johnson and a number of civil servants lounging around and drinking wine.
In response to this particular incident, Johnson stated that “those people were at work, talking about work”.
🚨NEW SNAP POLL🚨
Should Boris Johnson resign over BYOB partygate?
🇬🇧All adults
Should 66%
Should not 24%🌳2019 Con
Should 42%
Should not 45%🌹2019 Lab
Should 85%
Should not 10%1,040 UK adults, 11th Jan 2022 pic.twitter.com/dU1UXoJIGo
— Savanta UK (@Savanta_UK) January 11, 2022
In a nation ravaged by the Coronavirus outbreak, and a culture decimated by strict lock-down laws, there are widespread feelings of anguish, offence and outrage towards the PM.
The feelings of betrayal by the British public seem entirely appropriate, where the man making the rules can’t even follow them himself.
