PMQs: Boris Johnson apologises for party on May 20th

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

No10 failed to say if the Prime Minister had ruled out falling on his sword when questioned this afternoon. Questions over his future were dismissed as “hypothetical” while an independent investigation is being carried out into gatherings held in contravention to Covid rules.

The Prime Minister offered his “heartfelt apologies” at PMQs this afternoon after admitting he attended a “bring your own booze” event in the Downing Street garden on May 20 2020.

“I know the rage they feel with me over the Government I lead when they think that in Downing Street itself the rules are not being properly followed by the people who make the rules,” he told MPs.

“I went into that garden just after six on the 20th of May 2020 to thank groups of staff before going back into my office 25 minutes later to continue working.”

He added: “With hindsight, I should have sent everyone back inside.”

Amid shouts for opposition politicians for him to resign, Mr Johnson said he would await the outcome of an investigation being carried out by senior civil servant Sue Gray.

He said he would update the Commons once the inquiry had been concluded.

Mr Johnson’s official spokesman this afternoon said the Prime Minister will accept the “facts” established by the inquiry.

He said: “Without seeking to pre-empt the findings of the review, it has his full backing and he will accept the facts that she establishes.”

Asked if the Prime Minister would resign if illegal gatherings were concluded to have taken place, his press secretary refused to comment.

They said: “It is a hypothetical question and I’m not going to be drawn on potential findings of the report.”

Conservative MPs were ashen-faced as they at in the Commons listening to their leader apologise earlier today.

Few offered any support to Mr Johnson, with most backbenchers left seething by the row.

More to follow…

Source: Read Full Article