Status: 05/23/2022 8:45 p.m
Filled glasses, people toasting each other and Boris Johnson right in the middle: New photos from the TV channel ITV of a party during a corona lockdown in November 2020 are putting even more pressure on the British prime minister.
Shortly before the expected release of the full investigative report into illegal Downing Street lockdown parties, ITV has released new photos of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson at a party during a coronavirus lockdown in November 2020.
The four pictures show Johnson with a filled glass in his hand, several others present raise their hands with glasses to toast. On the table, which can be seen in the middle of the photos, there are several open bottles of wine and champagne.
The pictures are said to have been taken at the farewell party for Johnson’s former communications chief Lee Cain in November 2020, according to ITV. They question Johnson’s defense of not realizing the gatherings were parties.
A photo published by ITV: “Partygate” catches up with Johnson again.
Image: VIA REUTERS
Final report awaited
The release of the final investigative report into the “Partygate” scandal involving banned parties in Downing Street during the Corona lockdown will be published in the next few days. Opposition leader Keir Starmer accused the government of already undermining the report by top official Sue Gray. Johnson declined to comment on questions about the forthcoming report and its implications, saying he would say more after publication.
Downing Street concedes meetings
In the past few days, it has become known that there has been at least one meeting between Officer Gray and Johnson to discuss the report. Both sides initially blamed each other for calling the meeting. Most recently, Downing Street admitted to having arranged such an appointment.
A government secretary defended the conversation, saying it had to be clarified which names and photos could be published in the report.
120 fines
The police investigation into the lockdown parties has now been completed. Around 120 fines were handed down, but Premier Johnson only had to pay for one party – £50 – despite attending several events.
The investigation report could further weaken his position in his party and in office. If Gray severely reprimands Johnson, calls for his resignation could increase again. Government officials fear the report contains photographs and other clear evidence of celebrations at Government House in Downing Street. An abridged version of the report published a few months ago accused those responsible of leadership failure and serious misconduct.