Boris Johnson pushes on with agenda despite threats from within

The revelations of Downing Street parties during the pandemic have posed the greatest threat to Boris Johnson’s leadership since he became Prime Minister in 2019.

Boris Johnson in parliament on Monday. Picture: AFP

The revelations of Downing Street parties during the pandemic have posed the greatest threat to Boris Johnson’s leadership since he became Prime Minister in 2019 on a wave of support for his populist Brexit agenda.

A handful of his own MPs have publicly said they have no confidence in his leadership, and more are expected to join them.

Fifty-four Tory MPs are required to force a no-confidence vote in Mr Johnson, but many had kept their counsel ahead of the publication of the report by Sue Gray.

But with Ms Gray’s report limited in scope, and the police inquiry potentially lasting months, Mr Johnson has been given an opportunity to regroup his supporters and get back on the front foot.

In recent days, he has talked tough against Russia as tensions between Moscow and Kiev simmer, and is keen to push on with his post-Brexit agenda.

On the streets of London, many agreed with critics that the Prime Minister should resign.

“I think he’s not fit to be Prime Minister. I think he should resign,” said Sarah, who works for the state-run National Health Service.

Others said it was time to move on. “He’s not going to resign and I guess there are bigger things to be getting on with now,” Tom, who works in finance, said.

AFP