Politics

Tory MP Resigns Citing "Toxic" Downing Street Culture

MAY 27 2022·Updated DEC 29 2022

Story

Image credit: WPA Pool/Getty Images [via Business Insider]

The Facts

On Fri., conservative MP Paul Holmes announced his resignation from the Home Office, citing a 'toxic culture' at Downing Street.
Business Insider
Holmes was elected as MP for Eastleigh in the 2019 General Election and had been a parliamentary private secretary to Home Secretary Priti Patel since Sept. 2021.
BBC News
His resignation follows the release of civil servant Sue Gray's long-awaited report on rule-breaking parties in Whitehall during COVID lockdowns that included new photographs of the gatherings, names of senior civil servants who participated, and in-depth details of misdemeanors at the parties.
ITN
Since its release, four backbench MPs have added their names to a growing list of conservatives who are calling for Johnson's resignation. The list has grown to include over 20 names since the PM was fined over partygate.
Sky News
If 54 of Johnson's MPs call for his resignation, a vote will be held to determine the PM's future.
Forbes Advocate

Sources Split

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RIGHT

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The Spin

Left narrative

Although the PM and his allies are trying to bring an end to the partygate scandal that has dominated British news agendas for the last six months, the mounting call of Tory backbenchers no longer standing with the government highlights the extent of mistrust and damage that Johnson has caused.

guardian

Right narrative

While Holmes' resignation does cause some concern, a parliamentary private secretary is the lowest rung on the ministerial ladder and PM Boris Johnson still has enough backing from Tory MPs.This is by no means catastrophic for Johnson or the Tories.

The Telegraph