The majority of the British public want Boris Johnson to resign, but he is refusing to do so (Picture: Getty)
Living in a democracy such as the UK, you would think it shouldn’t be too hard to remove a prime minister who breaks his own laws, appears to lie about it and then is admonished in a brutal public report for the whole world to see.
Normally any of these things would be a resigning matter. But, in a testy exchange with Sky News’ Beth Rigby, Boris Johnson made clear today that he has never considered quitting over partygate.
In fact, the PM has spent the day defending himself after the rule-breaking culture in Downing Street during lockdown was laid bare by the long-awaited Sue Gray investigation.
The explosive report gave details of gatherings where officials drank so much they were sick, sang karaoke, became involved in altercations and abused security and cleaning staff – all at a time when millions of people across the country were unable to see friends and family and thousands of people lay dying alone in hospital with coronavirus.
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The prime minister has apologised and said he is ‘humbled’ by the report – though he sought to play down his own personal involvement in the parties, despite being pictured at some of them.
His defence has hinged on his argument that the events he attended were for ‘work’ and, aside from the birthday party which he was fined for, only breached the law after he had left or took place when he was not in the building.
But key questions remain, such as why the prime minister was allowed to say goodbye to his departing colleagues at leaving dos, when people weren’t allowed to say goodbye to their dying relatives. (Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, has written to the Met Police demanding an explanation).
It’s also not clear why government spokespeople spent months saying no parties took place, even though the parties had actually taken place in the press office.
Who among us has not vomited and spilled wine up the walls while working.
— Mikey Smith (@mikeysmith) May 25, 2022
Some may think it niche but that Q by @jessicaelgot is fundamental to Govt accountability
For months No.10 press officers denied any parties took place. Today Gray confirmed there were parties *in* the press office.
In days gone by, lying to the media was a resigning offence.
— Paul Waugh (@paulwaugh) May 25, 2022
Key question from @jessicaelgot about what No 10 comms office told reporters for months- that there were no parties: “it’s my strong impression that what they were doing was working…I certainly don’t think they set out to deceive you.”
Yet consider this from the Gray Report. pic.twitter.com/doKGo1CXYU
— Lewis Goodall (@lewis_goodall) May 25, 2022
Lying to the media was a resigning matter once upon a time – but the prime minister and his allies insist it is time to move from the scandal that has plagued their party for months.
However, a new poll suggests the public aren’t quite ready to forgive and forget.
According to YouGov, 59% of people believe Mr Johnson should quit over partygate.
With no sign of that happening, many people are wondering what they can do to get rid of the prime minister.
How do you remove a prime minister?
There is not much individual voters can do to remove a prime minister.
However, Mr Johnson could still be ousted by his own party if there is enough calls for it among the MPs.
Writing to your local member of parliament could therefore be effective if you live in a Tory constituency.
Under Conservative party rules, a leadership challenge can be triggered if 15% of MPs – which in the case of the Tories is 54 , write to the chairman of the 1922 backbench committee asking for a vote of no confidence.
