UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Finance minister Rishi Sunak were fined for breaking lockdown rules and attending Mr. Johnson’s birthday party in Downing Street in June 2020.
On Tuesday, UK prime minister Boris Johnson and Finance Minister Rishi Sunak were fined for not following Covid lockdown rules during the party that took place in the residence of the Prime Minister. Boris Johnson apologized for the same after being fined. In addition, Carrie Johnson, the prime minister’s wife was also fined.
The scandal began after it was revealed that there were a series of parties that were conducted in Downing Street when the rest of the UK was under lockdown. The scandal almost cost his Prime Minister position to Mr. Johnson as there were demands for his resignation.
Apologies
Boris Johnson apologized by stating ” Let me say immediately that I’ve paid the fine and I once again offer a full apology,”. He was charged with a fine for attending a birthday party arranged in his honor. This happened during the early days of lockdown on June 19, 2020. The party lasted only 10 minutes.
Mr. Johnson said he didn’t break any laws intentionally. He stated “In all frankness at that time, it did not occur to me that this might have been a breach of the rules. But of course, the police have found otherwise and I fully respect the outcome of their investigation.”
Conservative party leader Boris Johnson had been elected in 2019. Just a year before the pandemic began.
Mr. Rishi Sunak, the finance minister, also apologized on Tuesday after being fined. His official response said, “I deeply regret the frustration and anger caused and I am sorry.” He also informed that he had paid the fine charged to him.
Rishi Sunak, the son-in-law of Narayana Murthy, has been serving as the chancellor of the Exchequer since 2020. He rose to popularity during the pandemic for his work and response to the economic issues in the UK. However, recently his popularity has plummeted due to reasons varying from his wife’s tax filings to his failure to maintain a reasonable cost of living for Britons.
With the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, prices for fuel and basic commodities have increased. However, Boris Johnson has improved his popularity owing to his response to the Russia-Ukraine war. Earlier, Boris had visited Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv. He also called promised to intensify sanctions against Russia.
First In History of the UK
The fine charges have made Boris Johnson the first prime minister in Britain’s history to break the law while still in office and be punished. The police have also charged another 30 people with fines for breaking lockdown rules at the party held at Prime Minister’s residence and office.
The prime minister has been under fire for allegations that he had attended various parties and public gatherings when the nation was under lockdown. And was required to follow strict rules to manage Covid cases. Mr. Sunak too has made headlines recently for all the wrong reasons. His other scandals are related to his time in America and regarding the tax details of his wife, Akshata Murthy, daughter of Infosys founder Narayana Murthy.
No Resignations
Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak have rejected demands of resignation. Although it was expected that there would be a no-confidence motion held against the prime minister, the Conservative Party has backed out. Stating that at the moment Russia-Ukraine war and related policies should be prioritized. The infamous parties and related scandals, now referred to as ‘Party gate’ have caused anger among the public who had to adhere to strict rules otherwise. So far, no cabinet members have voiced support for Boris Johnson after he was fined.
Edited By -Aaradhana Singh
Published By -Akshaj Joshi
