After ‘partygate’, UK PM Johnson faces confidence vote

LONDON (HRNW) – Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced a confidence vote on Monday, after a growing number of lawmakers in the governing Conservative Party questioned the British leader’s authority following a “partygate” scandal.

Johnson, who won a sweeping election victory in 2019, has been under growing pressure after he and staff held alcohol-fuelled parties at the heart of power when Britain was under strict lockdowns to tackle COVID-19.

Appearing at events to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth in recent days, he was met with a chorus of jeers, boos and some muted cheers by the public.

On Monday, the once seemingly unassailable Johnson was also attacked by one-time ally Jesse Norman, a former junior minister who said the prime minister staying in power insulted both the electorate and the party. read more

“You have presided over a culture of casual law-breaking at 10 Downing Street in relation to COVID,” he said, adding that the government had “a large majority, but no long-term plan”.

Norman is one of more than 25 Conservative lawmakers who say Johnson, 57, has lost his authority to govern Britain, which is facing the risk of recession, rising prices and, on Monday, strike-inflicted travel chaos in the capital London.