Boris Johnson Faces Further Pressure Over "Partygate" Scandal

Strategic Insights -

Anonymous sources have come forward alleging that Boris Johnson allowed regular gatherings at his flat despite the COVID-19 lockdown rules, with one insider stating that the events took place "every week" and were often chaotic with bottles, empties, and rubbish left behind. The claims have piled pressure on the Prime Minister ahead of the publication of the Gray inquiry into "partygate". Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police has faced calls to explain their decision not to fine Mr Johnson over several gatherings, and the Prime Minister's office has denied allegations that he asked the head of the inquiry to drop her report.

Key Takeaways:

  • Anonymous sources claim that Boris Johnson allowed regular gatherings at his flat, with one insider stating that the events took place "every week".
  • The gatherings were often chaotic, with bottles, empties, and rubbish left behind, according to one former official.
  • The Metropolitan Police has faced calls to explain their decision not to fine Mr Johnson over several gatherings, including a farewell event for his communications chief Lee Cain on November 13, 2020.
  • The Prime Minister's office has denied allegations that he asked the head of the inquiry to drop her report, stating that he commissioned the report and wants it to be published.
  • Transport secretary Grant Shapps has defended Mr Johnson, suggesting that he may not have been fined over the event because he left the leaving do "pretty quick".
  • Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross has called on the Prime Minister to explain why he believed his behaviour was "acceptable" when most people would think the pictures showed "unjustifiable and wrong" behaviour.
  • Conservative MP David Simmonds has stated that it will be "very difficult" for Mr Johnson to explain how he did not mislead Parliament.

Statistics:

  • 3 anonymous sources came forward alleging that Boris Johnson allowed regular gatherings at his flat.
  • 1 insider stated that there were often around 30 people at the gatherings.
  • 1 party was described as "lively" with people dancing around and party debris left overnight for other staff to discover.
  • 1 former official stated that they often turned up at No 10 to find it "a mess" with bottles, empties, and rubbish left behind.
  • 1 farewell event for Mr Cain on November 13, 2020, was investigated by the Metropolitan Police, with Mr Johnson receiving a fixed-penalty notice for a birthday party in the Cabinet Room in June 2020.

Sources:

  • BBC Panorama
  • Scotsman
  • Ruth Davidson's article
  • Grant Shapps' statement
  • Douglas Ross' statement
  • David Simmonds' statement
  • Scotland Yard investigation notes-0 and note-1