The recent celebrations for the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II weren’t enough to turn Brits’ eyes to Partygate. Events and honors held between 2 and 6 June to commemorate 70 years since the Queen ascended the throne were also affected by the recent scandal of parties held during quarantine, which linked many figures in British politics, including its Prime Minister, Boris Johnson.

The celebration spread throughout Great Britain, in addition to its overseas territories and the Commonwealth of Nations kingdoms, such as Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

• Although Elizabeth II did not participate in all events due to her advanced age – represented by Prince Charles at events he was unable to attend -, they did have massive events and messages from the world’s most important political figures, such as Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, Olaf Scholz and Isaac Herzog.

At one of the Jubilee events held at St. The famed Paul in London, and in the presence of prominent local figures, including the prominent politician who had previously succeeded him, Boris Johnson was booed by a crowd of onlookers. the entrance of the Cathedral, to observe those participating in the service.

Just days after this situation, on Monday the 6th, a new movement of criticism was promoted to remove Johnson from office.

• Eventually, the Prime Minister managed to hold on, but the political landscape in which he finds himself sinking today has changed substantially.

party gate

The gathering at 10 Downing Street takes place while the entire nation follows extreme quarantine measures. They have different assistant officials at home and high-ranking members of the Conservative Party, Johnson being one of them.

Initially, the Prime Minister denied that the incident had occurred. However, evidence was found to establish that sixteen meetings were held, which took place between May 2020 and April 2021. Although the Prime Minister did not participate in all of them, his attendance could be verified through various photos of the event, thus leading to the opening of the investigation.

Sue Gray, in her capacity as Second Permanent Secretary in the Cabinet Office, made a report that was in keeping with the investigation of the situation, concluding beyond a reasonable doubt that the events shown did occur and that Johnson’s leadership should be held responsible for allowing it to happen, the parties had taken place.

• Among his findings, Gray explains that the party continued late into the night, with invitations being sent out, and noted that attendees were careful when reporters were around the building.
• Lastly, Gray conveys information that causes inconvenience: attendees treat and disrespect those responsible for cleanliness and safety on Downing Street.

Johnson was found guilty of participating in several of the meetings and allowing all of them. The only sanction imposed on the Prime Minister was a fine that had to be paid for only one event he attended, which caused confusion and annoyance in the public.

A group of families affected by the Codi-19 pandemic expressed their discontent with the lightness of the sanctions, they asked for Johnson’s departure, demonstrating a certain degree of equality in the treatment the Prime Minister gave them as those assigned on time. way to cleaning and security staff: as an inconvenience.

A failed game?

With high levels of disapproval and ridicule at Saint Paul’s Cathedral, the Conservative Party decided to take action on the matter and on Monday, June 6, initiated a vote of no confidence against Johnson. For that, it took at least fifty-four MPs from the party to declare themselves in support, and that number was reached. After stressful hours, Johnson survived and is now sticking to his job. However, the many motions of condemnation indicate a change in the political landscape in general and the party itself in particular.

Of the 359 members, 211 remained loyal to Johnson, convincing him of his position, but 148 against him, thereby proving glaring internal divisions within the Prime Minister’s party. While it is possible to assert that, in this new opposition, some of the party’s internal factions are converging, sources close to Johnson point out that most MPs are opposed to Brexit, those who believe they have been expelled or removed from promotion in their positions. , and those who believe that the media is the real world.

The Tories allied with Johnson are confident in his ability to contain the situation, pointing out that what is happening is a good outcome for politics and the country, and they believe that Johnson can still resist until the next election scheduled for 2024.

However, Johnson and his party still have to face a complementary election and, in turn, the Prime Minister still has to face questions in the House of Commons over his remarks about not meeting during the quarantine, which could further affect his waning status. picture.

What’s in store for Johnson?

Johnson points out that an outcome in his favor is decisive and allows his administration to move forward and focus on what matters to the people. The Prime Minister’s next move is to try to regain control of his party and remove from his Cabinet those he suspects may be disloyal. But with Monday’s 6th result and high levels of disapproval, it’s difficult to ensure that Johnson effectively regains the confidence of the Conservative Party.

The Prime Minister is not in danger of facing another no-confidence vote in the near future, as party regulations state that a leader cannot face this process twice in a twelve-month period. However, the facts don’t seem to calm the Conservative Party completely, which is already looking at the possibility of a new leader: Ben Wallace, Secretary of Defense who, by virtue of his role in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, has 85% approval, or Liz Truss, Secretary of State, with 60% approval, among other things.

They are all government officials, who have much higher approval ratings than Johnson and don’t have the wear and tear that the Prime Minister has amassed.

• Further, it should be noted that Conservative Party figures have made it clear that the rules can be changed with sufficient support from Tory MPs. If Johnson remembers, he will be able to remember that it was these same possibilities that led to Theresa May leaving office in 2018, having emerged victorious from a vote of no confidence.

Johnson seemed satisfied with his victory, considering his party still holds a majority of seats. But it is possible that, with 148 Tories opposed and a party visibly fragmented and affected by the stain on its reputation that Johnson has produced, this outcome he believes to be satisfactory is actually the worst outcome for his government under consideration while it is still away. him with a lot of money left to be in charge.