Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson recently expressed regret for apologizing for the Partygate scandal that involved a gathering at Downing Street on the eve of Prince Philip’s funeral. During an interview with ITV, Johnson mentioned that he regretted his public apology but did not disclose details of his conversation with the Queen. This has sparked a backlash from the four candidates in the current Tory leadership contest, who have been urged to condemn his remarks.
In his memoir, “Unleashed,” Johnson admitted to making a mistake by issuing what he referred to as “pathetic” and “grovelling” apologies for the scandal. He felt that these apologies made the situation seem worse than it actually was. A report by a cross-party group of MPs found that Johnson had deliberately misled parliament over Partygate, leading to recommendations for his suspension and removal of his Commons pass.
During the ITV interview, Johnson expressed regret for issuing a “blanket apology” for the lockdown-era gatherings, as it inadvertently implicated officials who were working hard. He felt that by apologizing, he validated the accusations against these individuals, which was unfair. When asked if he regrets apologizing to the Queen, Johnson declined to discuss his conversations with her.
Johnson also criticized former Prime Minister David Cameron’s handling of the aftermath of the Brexit vote, suggesting that it was not normal for a leader to step down after a referendum. He and Michael Gove, who were part of the Vote Leave campaign, have faced criticism for Brexit without a clear plan. Johnson attempted to shift blame onto Cameron, stating that the expectation was for a white paper to be presented after the referendum.
In response to the privileges committee’s findings, Johnson dismissed their conclusions as “deranged” and likened them to a political assassination. His lack of remorse has drawn criticism from Deputy Liberal Democrat leader Daisy Cooper, who called for condemnation from Conservative leadership candidates who were part of the government during the pandemic.
Overall, Johnson’s statements have reignited the controversy surrounding the Partygate scandal and have raised questions about his leadership during turbulent times in the UK. The fallout from his remarks may impact the ongoing Tory leadership contest and public perception of his tenure as Prime Minister.
