Prime Minister Johnson Deals Fatal Blow Amid Additional Allegations of 'Residence Drinking Party'

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] Additional allegations have emerged that UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson enjoyed a private drinking party at his official residence during the first COVID-19 lockdown. This is expected to deal a significant blow to Johnson, who is already facing his worst political crisis due to by-election defeats, key ministerial resignations, and controversies over his COVID-19 remarks.

On the 8th (local time), major foreign media outlets, citing three sources, confirmed that in May 2020, Martin Reynolds, Johnson's chief secretary, sent an email invitation to officials for a party with the note 'BYOB' (Bring Your Own Booze).

The party held at 10 Downing Street reportedly had about 40 attendees, including Prime Minister Johnson and his spouse, as well as close aides. One witness said, "There was a long table filled with partygoers, drinks, snacks, and sausage rolls," adding, "It was a proper drinking gathering."

At that time, COVID-19 was raging, and Johnson had issued the first lockdown, restricting private gatherings. Earlier, in December of the same year, allegations surfaced that a Christmas party was held at the Prime Minister's office during the nationwide lockdown, and suspicions had already arisen several times that Johnson and his staff enjoyed parties during the COVID-19 restrictions.

These revelations came amid the resignation of David Frost, Brexit Minister who opposed Johnson's quarantine policies, lobbying allegations involving Dyson's founder, and claims of misuse of political donations, placing Johnson's political standing in a dire situation.

A significant number of ruling Conservative Party lawmakers oppose his strengthened quarantine policies, and recently, Conservative Party support rates have clearly declined. He was defeated in a local parliamentary by-election held in his stronghold, North Shropshire in central England.

According to a recent survey conducted by the UK polling agency Opinium, 59% of respondents said they do not support Prime Minister Johnson.

The Prime Minister's office reportedly did not immediately deny the report, according to the daily newspaper The Telegraph.

Angela Rayner, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, criticized, "A culture of completely ignoring the rules seems to have been ingrained in life at Downing Street since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic."

Deputy Leader Rayner said, "While many parts of the UK suffered from full lockdowns where meeting others was not allowed and empty shelves, the Prime Minister's office was holding parties from the beginning," adding, "Prime Minister Johnson and his team are treating this country like fools."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.