Aydan Mohnatova, Economics BSc
The exposure of celebrations at 10 Downing Street during lockdown measures in 2020 has led to backlash across the United Kingdom, with many calling for Prime Minister Boris Johnson resign.
The United Kingdom was exposed to strict lockdown measures in 2020 to decrease the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. The lockdown enforced laws and regulations that prevented families from meeting with one another – including those in critical conditions.
Evidence, in the form of videos and photographs, of parliamentarians and civil servants meeting in a social setting while the measures were in place has generated outrage from the public, claiming inconsistencies in public policies. Since the appearance of these videos in December 2021, almost every week there have been accounts of more secret parties released.
On 25 January, the Metropolitan Police confirmed that investigations would be launched into the multiple parties that took place in Downing Street during the lockdown.
“Many in the public sphere feel that the parties are disrespectful toward those who respected the lockdown rules.”
Many in the public sphere feel that the parties are disrespectful toward those who respected the lockdown rules. Savanta ComRes – a market research company – observed that almost half of the voters calling for Boris Johnson’s resignation are members of the 2019 Conservative Party. According to the poll, some believe that this public outrage is being advertised by the Labour Party for their own advantage.
Despite this, the conservatives argue that the visitors of these parties were not conservatives, but civil servants. Senior Civil Servant Sue Gray is in charge of conducting further investigations into the events at Downing Street.
The parties have also attracted additional criticism for being held mere days away from the funeral of Prince Philip.
A judgement on the issue has yet to be passed, and the PM has not yet faced consequences.
Many of the public expect Johnson to fully acknowledge and admit to the remorseful actions the Downing Street party has accommodated.
Peter Aldous, Conservative MP for Waveney, has confirmed that most of his conservative Brexit supporters have been negatively influenced by the No. 10 parties. Boris Johnson’s local councillors have cooperated to express their repugnance against his conduct. It is expected that future elections will be the turning point in Johnson’s career.
Photo Caption: Cartoon depiction of the party at No. 10 Downing St. (Credit: Patrick Blower).