Criticism of British ex-Prime Minister Boris Johnson is growing following his statements to a parliamentary committee on the “Partygate” affair. “Boris set his future on fire,” the Politico portal quoted an MP from Johnson’s Conservative Party as saying on Thursday. Above all, the aggressive and short-tempered tone of the 58-year-old and his “thimble” answers were criticized. The former prime minister is “in danger” after “angry arguments” with members of the Committee of Privileges, the newspaper “i” wrote.
The committee is to clarify whether Johnson lied to Parliament in the “Partygate” affair. In this case, he faces a suspension from the House of Commons, which could eventually lead to his loss of mandate. The then head of government had repeatedly emphasized in the House of Commons that he had no knowledge of illegal lockdown parties in Downing Street. Meanwhile, Johnson has admitted false information, but denies intent. The committee, which also includes several conservative MPs, does not believe him, as the survey made clear.
Although the conservative Daily Mail praised Johnson as “agile as a cat”. However, many commentators pointed out that his attempt at a revolt against incumbent Prime Minister Rishi Sunak over Brexit rules for Northern Ireland had failed. Despite Johnson’s vocal opposition to Sunak’s deal with the EU, few Tories supported him in the vote. “Double humiliation in the lower house for blustering Boris,” headlined the “Independent”. In the Telegraph, for which Johnson once worked, conservative columnist Camilla Tominey commented: “The cult surrounding Boris Johnson – and his Brexit dream – are imploding.”
