Despite UK Prime Minister's Apology for Drinking Party, Fierce Calls for Resignation from Both Ruling and Opposition Parties

Political Career's Greatest Crisis

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is speaking during the Prime Minister's Questions session in the House of Commons on the 12th (local time). (Photo by CNBC)

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo Yujin] British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who violated COVID-19 quarantine rules and held multiple drinking parties at the official residence, apologized on the 12th (local time), but public opinion has not calmed down. With pressure for resignation mounting even within the ruling Conservative Party, Johnson's political life is facing its greatest crisis.

According to BBC, CNBC, and others, Johnson admitted to attending a drinking party at the official residence during the COVID-19 lockdown and apologized. He attended the regular parliamentary session that day and said, "I know the public is angry with me and the government," adding, "There were wrongdoings, and I must take responsibility."

Johnson acknowledged attending a party with his aides for 25 minutes after 6 p.m. on May 20, 2020, but explained, "I perceived it not as a party but as a work event to encourage staff."

He continued, "I know the people of this country have made great sacrifices over the past 18 months," and expressed regret, saying, "Looking back, I should have sent everyone who attended the party back to their offices."

Johnson's apology came after various polls released the previous day showed, for the first time since he took office, that over 50% of respondents believed he should resign.

In a survey conducted by YouGov of 5,931 adults, 56% answered "yes" to the question of whether Johnson should resign. Twenty-seven percent said he should remain as Prime Minister, and 17% responded "don't know."

This poll was conducted immediately after the personal secretary to Johnson, Martin Reynolds, sent an email inviting 100 Downing Street staff to a drinking party at the official residence, which was made public.

The email stated, "We should make the most of the sunny weather. A socially distanced party will be held in the garden of the official residence at 6 p.m., so please bring your own drinks." About 40 officials and staff, including Prime Minister Johnson and his wife, attended the event.

During the first COVID-19 lockdown in May 2020, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his wife enjoyed a drinking party with close aides at the official residence. (Photo by The Guardian)

In the UK, suspicions have already arisen that Prime Minister Johnson and Downing Street staff enjoyed several drinking parties during the lockdown period. Public opinion toward Johnson, who is politically endangered by by-election defeats and the departure of key ministers, is reaching its worst.

Consequently, calls for Johnson's resignation are growing across party lines. Labour Party leader Keir Starmer said, "The party is over," adding, "The remaining question is whether the public will oust him or he will step down with dignity." He harshly criticized Johnson's explanation that he did not know he was attending a party, calling it "so absurd that it insults the public."

Ian Blackford, Westminster leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), also criticized Johnson for being shameless and said that if so, Conservative MPs should step up and remove him.

Even within the Conservative Party, demands for resignation are emerging. Douglas Ross, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, claimed in a Sky News interview that Johnson can no longer hold his position. William Wragg, vice-chairman of the backbench committee and Conservative MP, said Johnson should resign before the investigation results regarding the party come out.

After the parliamentary schedule that day, Johnson visited a room where MPs were gathered to appeal for their support. If backbenchers act collectively, Johnson's position could be shaken.

Matthew Goodwin, a political science professor at the University of Kent, pointed out in an interview with CNBC, "It should be noted that the disillusionment within the Conservative Party regarding Johnson's leadership is not solely due to the drinking parties."

CNBC reported that public dissatisfaction is worsening due to the nationwide fuel shortage caused by a lack of fuel transport drivers following Brexit and COVID-19 impacts, as well as soaring inflation, which is putting pressure on the Johnson government.

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