The head of the UK government was sanctioned for violating the confinement in place during the Covid-19 epidemic.
Boris Johnson, who just made a remarkable visit to kyivhoped to have turned the page ofparty gateLast February, the scandal caused by the parties organized in Downing Street at the heart of the incarceration periods, in 2020 and 2021, had nearly cost him his mandate as Conservative Party leader and head of government. had since issued his mea culpa to the deputies, assuring he had not broken the law, a fortnight ago he seemed to think the matter was behind him, even teasing the letters of the Conservative MPs had been sent by some of them early in the year to demand a vote of no confidence against him.
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But the time for jokes is over: 10 Downing Street announced on Tuesday afternoon that the head of government, his wife Carrie Johnson and his Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, had been ticketed by London police. The fine relates to the surprise birthday party that Carrie Johnson organized for the Prime Minister in June 2020. Rishi Sunak, the Secretary of the Treasury, was in Boris Johnson’s office that day for a business meeting, according to media reports.
No layoff in sight
As soon as the news broke, leaders of the opposition to the Conservative government demanded the resignation of the prime minister and finance minister. †(They) broke the law and lied to the British repeatedly. They should both resign. The conservatives are totally unfit to rulesaid Keir Starmer, the Labor leader. The group of families robbed by Covid-19, Bereaved Families for Justice UK, has also called on Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak to resign. †They broke the law and worst of all, they thought we were fools‘ the group responded on Twitter.
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On Tuesday evening, Boris Johnson responded to the calls and made sure he would not resign after being acquitted of the fine. He also presentedfull apology“for this surprise birthday that he says lasted”less than 10 minutes†I have to be honest, it didn’t seem to me at the time that it could break the ruleshe begged.I now want to go ahead and fulfill the mandate that is minehe explained, citing the economy and the war in Ukraine.
The investigation is far from over
Carrie Johnson, sanctioned for the same event as her husband, “apologize unconditionally“even though she thought”act according to the rulessaid his spokesman. †I deeply regret the frustration and anger caused and I am sorryFinance Minister Rishi Sunak said, rejecting any resignation. Rishi Sunak, who was once considered a potential successor to Boris Johnson at the head of the Conservatives, is now very unpopular with the British due to his policies and recent revelations about his wife’s tax situation in particular.
The London police investigation is far from over. The Metropolitan Police said yesterday they issued 30 tickets in connection with just three of the 12 parties they are investigating: the consequences of the “party gate» are not ready.
