'Lockdown Party' for UK Prime Minister... Internal Report Calls It a "Leadership Failure"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] An internal evaluation has concluded that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his aides holding parties during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown was a "failure of leadership."

Sue Gray, the UK Cabinet Office official responsible for investigating the 'Party Gate' scandal that cornered Prime Minister Johnson, pointed this out in a 12-page report released on the 31st (local time), stating that "actions difficult to justify" were confirmed.

Gray criticized, "The time when Prime Minister Johnson and his aides were enjoying parties was when the government was demanding measures that broadly restricted life due to the COVID-19 pandemic," adding, "It seems they were complacent about the situation unfolding across the UK."

She also stated, "The excessive drinking by Downing Street staff at work was inappropriate," and recommended, "Clear and strict policies related to this should be established in all departments."

Gray investigated 16 gatherings that took place over ten days between May 2020 and April 2021. She said, "Only four of these were examined by the police," and "information on the remaining 12 cases was handed over to the police."

The actual length of this report is five and a half pages excluding the cover and appendices. Gray explained, "This is because the police requested deletion of details due to ongoing investigations."

During the investigation, she individually interviewed more than 70 people at least once and extensively reviewed WhatsApp messages, text messages, photos and videos, and Downing Street entry records.

After the report was released, Prime Minister Johnson appeared before the House of Commons and apologized for "what happened at Downing Street during the lockdown and promised to correct the wrongdoings," but stated he has no intention to resign.

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