The motion was approved by cries of “aye”, without any formal vote in the House of Commons. It means that Parliament’s Committee of Privileges is going to investigate whether Johnson knowingly misled Parliament. This would be historically a resigning offense.
This probe puts more pressure on a Conservative prime Minister who has had his power shaken by claims that he violated pandemic rules that he imposed upon the country and then repeatedly failed to answer for it.
This was a Labour Party opposition move that was approved after the government gave up trying to get Conservative lawmakers to block the motion. Johnson’s Conservatives hold a large majority of Parliamentary seats, but many lawmakers are not happy with Johnson’s conduct.
Labour leader Keir Sternmer stated that the move was to uphold the “simple principle that honesty and integrity are important in politics.”
Starmer stated that it is a British principle… which guides members of every political party in the House. But it is under attack.”
Johnson was absent from the decision regarding a scandal that has shaken his leadership of the country as well as the Conservative Party. Although he was over 4,000 miles (6.400 km) from India, insisted he wanted to “get on the job” of leading his country.
Johnson was penalized 50 Pounds ($66) for attending his birthday party at his office in June 2020. This was when British citizens were prohibited from visiting their dying relatives or meeting with their friends. Johnson is the first British prime minster to be found in violation of the law while in office.
He has since apologized but insisted that he did not know how to break the rules. Johnson’s shifty defense, initially stating that there were no illegal gatherings and then saying it “didn’t occur to me” that the birthday party was a party, has been met with outrage by opponents who want him to quit.
“The truth is simple, it’s this: he lied in order to avoid being caught and once he was caught, he continued to lie,” Ian Blackford, Scottish National Party lawmaker, stated in the House of Commons.
Blackford was not reprimanded.
Conservatives are becoming more uncomfortable with defending a leader who violated rules he had imposed on the country. Several have openly called for Johnson’s resignation, and that number is growing. Others are waiting for the results of public anger to determine whether Conservative losses in local elections on May 5th.
William Wragg, a Conservative legislator, said that it was “utterly depressing” to be asked to defend something that is not indefensible. “Each time, part of us withers.”
Steve Baker, a lawmaker and a well-known supporter of Johnson, stated that Johnson should be “long gone” because he violated the “letter” and “spirit” of the rules.
He said, “I will certainly vote for that motion.” “But, really, the prime Minister should just know that the gig’s over.”
The Committee of Privileges investigation will not begin until the twin civil-service and police investigations into “partygate”, have been concluded.
Sue Gray, a senior civil servant, is currently investigating 16 events. These include “bring your own alcohol” office parties and “wine-time Fridays” at Johnson’s 10 Downing St. Office and other government buildings. At least 50 fines have been handed out by police to Johnson, his wife Carrie, and Rishi Sunak, the Treasury chief. Johnson could be facing additional police fines for attending six of the gatherings.
Johnson and his allies claim that it would be foolish for the country’s leaders to change now, amid the conflict in Ukraine and the cost-of-living squeeze caused by the soaring energy and food prices.
Johnson flew to India for a two day visit that focused on strengthening economic ties. Johnson denied that he had knowingly misled Parliament. He insisted that he would lead Conservatives into the next national elections, which are due by 2024.
Johnson stated that he has nothing to hide during his visit to Gujarat, a western Indian state. Johnson stated that he wants to continue the work he was elected to.
