Boris Johnson apologized on Wednesday for attending a 'bring your own booze' party in the garden of the prime minister's Downing Street office and residence in May 2020.
Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson, center, sits in a car as he leaves Parliament after attending the weekly Prime Ministers' Questions session in London, Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022.
Johnson apologized in the House of Commons on Wednesday for attending a"bring your own booze" party in the garden of the prime minister's Downing Street office and residence in May 2020. About 100 staff were invited by a senior prime ministerial aide to what was billed as a"socially distanced drinks" event.
Johnson said he understood public"rage," but stopped short of admitting wrongdoing, saying he had considered the gathering a work event to thank staff for their efforts during the pandemic. Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis said Johnson's apology had been"very, very sincere" — but added that the prime minister did not believe he had done anything wrong.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss — often cited as a possible successor to Johnson — tweeted:"I stand behind the Prime Minister 100% as he takes our country forward." Many Conservatives fear the"partygate" scandal could become a tipping point for a leader who has weathered a series of other storms over his expenses, and his moral judgment.
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