Following fines for lockdown parties, the British opposition is calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Finance Minister Rishi Sunak. Confidence in top politicians, which is especially important in times of crisis, has disappeared. Johnson is the first Prime Minister to break the law while in office.
“They broke the law and were dishonest,” Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey told the BBC on Wednesday. The Liberal Democrats, the largest opposition Labor party and the Scottish National Party (SNP) are calling for the sanctions to convene parliament from the Easter holidays. Johnson lied to this and now has to face the delegates. Scottish and Welsh leaders Nicola Sturgeon (SNP) and Mark Drakeford (Labour) also call for Johnson’s resignation.
support from MPs
However, it is unlikely that the majority of British MPs will support the call for his resignation. Many politicians, including members of Johnson’s cabinet and party comrades, have already supported the prime minister. Transport Minister Grant Shapps said that while he understood the public’s anger, the £50 fine was the appropriate one. On a busy day, Johnson was surprised by his team for a short birthday greeting. Several MPs and conservative media also warned against the prime minister’s removal during the war in Ukraine. He is an honest man who wants to support Ukraine.
“Focus on the task ahead”
Johnson himself had already said on Tuesday evening that he would not resign. “I think the best thing I can do now, after the fine has been paid, is to focus on the task ahead. I will do that,” the prime minister said. He was “unaware at the time that this could be a rule violation”. Finance Minister Sunak, who is already under enormous pressure for his wealthy wife’s legal but controversial tax tricks, has apologized but wants to remain in office.
Twelve suspected lockdown parties
As reported, London police have already imposed 50 fines in the “Partygate” scandal. Johnson, his wife Carrie and Sunak have each been fined for attending Johnson’s birthday gathering on June 19, 2020. The amount is about £50 (about £60). A total of eleven other suspected lockdown parties are being investigated at the government seat. Johnson may receive further communications. According to attorney Adam Wagner, the amount doubles with every rule violation.
Britain’s local elections in early May are now seen as a benchmark for Johnson and the Conservative Party. In-party opposition to the prime minister is expected to rise again if the Tories lose significantly. Critics accuse them of having no answer to the exploding cost of living and driving low earners into poverty with the highest tax burden in decades. If 54 of the 360 Tory MPs speak out against Johnson, there will be a vote of no confidence within the party.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
