Other Conservatives waited patiently to see if the crisis that threatened Johnson’s premiership would subside or get worse.
Johnson, who was invited to a “bring-your-own-booze” party at Downing Street’s office and residence in May 2020, apologized in Parliament on Wednesday. A senior prime ministerial adviser invited about 100 staff to the event, which was described as “socially distant drinks”.
As part of efforts to stop the spread of coronavirus, Britons were prohibited from meeting more than one person in their homes. Millions were separated from their families and friends and prevented from visiting sick relatives.
Johnson stated that he understood public anger, but did not admit to wrongdoing. He said that he considered the gathering a work event and thanked staff for their efforts during pandemic.
Johnson advised people to wait for the results of the investigation by Sue Gray, a senior civil servant, into several alleged government employees involved in the pandemic. Gray, a veteran of public service with a reputation for being a straight-shooter is expected to report before the end the month.
Johnson was holed up in Downing Street on Thursday. The prime minister’s office announced that Johnson was forced to cancel a planned visit at a coronavirus vaccine center after a family member tested positive.
Brandon Lewis, Northern Ireland Secretary, said Johnson’s apology was “very sincere” but that the prime minister didn’t believe he did anything wrong.
Sky News’ Lewis stated that the prime minister had indicated that he does not believe he violated any rules. “If you take a look at what the investigation uncovers, everyone will be able view that in their own way.”
Gray is not able to punish officials. Johnson didn’t say what she would do if Gray found him guilty.
Liz Truss, Foreign Secretary — frequently cited as a potential successor to Johnson — tweeted: “I stand behind Prime Minister 100% as it takes our country forward.”
Rishi Sunak (the Treasury chief) was less vocal than his potential rivals for the top job. He tweeted that the PM had a right to apologize and that he supported Sue Gray’s request for patience as she investigates. Sunak was in southwest England, 200 miles (320 km) away during Johnson’s statement.
Opposition politicians believe Johnson should resign because he attended the party and for denials that rule-breaking ever took place.
Many Conservatives worry that the “partygate” scandal could be a tipping point for a leader, who has already been through a number of storms regarding his expenses and his moral judgment.
Some are joining the opposition call for Johnson’s resignation. Douglas Ross, leader of the Conservatives in Scotland said Johnson’s position was “no longer tenable.” Roger Gale, a lawmaker, called Johnson a “dead person walking”.
Johnson could be forced to resign if he doesn’t. This would trigger a no confidence vote among party legislators. It would happen if 15% Conservative lawmakers demand it. It is not clear how many letters have been submitted.
Lisa Nandy, a Labour Party spokeswoman for home affairs, said that the police should investigate and not only a civil servant.
She said, “It’s odd that the police haven’t launched any type of wider investigation considering the number of pieces evidence about what’s happened in Downing Street.”
Nandy stated that there was an “immense” public outrage over the party revelations.
She said that she was not confident the prime minister would survive based on the information she’s seeing.
Many Conservatives waited to see how the crisis would be handled in the days ahead.
Philip Dunne, a conservative lawmaker, said that the allegations were “very grave.”
He stated that he believed the prime minister had a right to apologize yesterday and that it was right that we wait for the results of the Sue Gray investigation. “People will have to bear the consequences of what happens.”
