Boris Johnson: 5 keys to the scandal that has put the premier in the United Kingdom on the ropes

Two and a half years after his landslide election victory, Boris Johnson He suffered a supportive hemorrhage into his own conservative ranks that prompted him to step down. These are some of the causes:

• Lying about an official.

Months of relentless political turbulence were triggered on Tuesday as the health minister and chancellor resigned over Boris Johnson’s handling of sexual misconduct allegations against Chris Pincher, who resigned last week on charges of have “touch” two men.

Initially, Johnson admitted he made a “mistake” by appointing him in February to oversee the discipline of his deputies. And he said he didn’t know about Pincher’s allegations. But then it was learned that he was aware and that he had lied.

this scandal sparked a string of resignations and letters of censorship of undersecretaries and parliamentarians, which turned into an avalanche on Wednesday. Last night a group of senior ministers went to Downing Street, the official residence, to try to persuade the premier to resign.

Johnson remained defiant until Thursday when he only seemed to give in and announce that he was willing to step down but will remain in his role until his successor is named, likely in October.

• lies in the pandemic

While the British were forced to stay at home, without seeing family or friends due to Covid-19, all sorts of events took place in Downing Street, where Johnson lives and works, from Christmas parties to farewells. or at birthdays, at garden celebrations to enjoy the good weather, in a scandal baptized as “Gate of the party”. The first Johnson denied having attended. He then appeared in several photos.

British police investigated and imposed 126 fines, including one on Boris, the first incumbent head of government to be sanctioned for breaking the law.

Senior official Sue Gray also produced a very critical report on “senior officials” responsible for encounters with excess alcohol, altercations, late-night backroom exits, and, on some occasions, disrespect for security and police personnel. cleaning. Johnson claimed to take “full responsibility” but refused to step down and his legitimacy suffered.

• Covid management.

At the start of the pandemic, Johnson was heavily criticized its irregular managementaccused of not acting quickly and failing to protect health personnel or the elderly in the residences.

Most of their Conservative MPs rebelled, voting against the introduction of a health passport to access major events, which was finally approved thanks to the votes of the Labor opposition. However, Johnson managed to forget the criticisms of his handling of Covid by relying on a successful vaccination campaign.

• Inflation on the rise.

Uncontrolled inflation, which hit a 40-year high in the UK, reaching 9% year-on-year in May, has strained the government’s popularity, accused of not doing enough to help families struggling to disembark. the money. month. The peak of food and energy, exacerbated from the start the Russian invasion of Ukraine, it is expected to worsen in October, when a sharp rise in the price of energy in the UK is expected.

• Home renovations.

Johnson said he paid out of his own pocket for the lavish renovation of his official residence for his family. But he had received a donation, which he then had to pay back.

Clarino editorial