Politics

Boris Johnson Resigns as Lawmaker Over Partygate

JUN 9 2023·Updated JUN 10 2023

Story

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

The Facts

Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced his resignation as a Member of Parliament on Friday over allegations that he intentionally misled Parliament during its investigation into social gatherings held during his time as a lawmaker that contradicted COVID lockdown rules — a scandal dubbed "Partygate."
BBC News
While Johnson has admitted to misleading Parliament during their investigation, he has denied doing so intentionally. After receiving an advance copy of the report earlier on Friday, Johnson said it was "riddled with inaccuracies," and has accused the investigators of attempting to "drive me out."
BBC News
In a statement, Johnson said he was "forthwith" stepping down as Minister of Parliament for Uxbridge and South Ruislip, calling it a "huge honour" [sic] to serve. He has said the investigation has not produced a "shred of evidence" for the allegations, saying he believed his statements at the time to be accurate.
Sky News
He has accused the investigation of being a "witch hunt" that seeks revenge for the 2016 Brexit referendum. The cross-party privileges committee, led by opposition Labour lawmaker Harriet Harman, can recommend suspensions for Ministers of Parliament, which could result in a recall election.
Sky News
It's believed the forthcoming report recommends sanctions for Johnson and has been focusing on Johnson's misleading statements over parties held at government buildings. Police have issued 126 fines, including one for Johnson, in connection to Partygate.
CBC
In his lengthy resignation statement, Johnson launched barbs at current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's leadership, saying the Conservative Party has lost its "momentum and its belief in what this country can do." Johnson served as Prime Minister from 2019 until 2022, when public anger over Partygate contributed to his decision to resign.
Reuters

Sources Split

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The Spin

Left narrative

Boris Johnson flouted lockdown rules and then lied to Parliament as part of a cover-up. Unable to face the consequences of his actions, Johnson is resigning to avoid scrutiny of his wrongdoing, showing that he was never fit to be Prime Minister. His career of self-aggrandizement and rule-breaking are ending with him slinking away from politics after it all had finally caught up to him.

The Guardian

Right narrative

A vindictive Labour Party, and the Conservatives that have swallowed their lies, have finally gotten revenge on Boris Johnson. It's clear that this Partygate investigation would be biased and partisan, and Johnson was right to step down instead of letting his opponents — bitter over Brexit and his electoral success — try to embarrass him. Johnson was much more popular than any of his Conservative successors, and it's sad to see his party let this happen to him.