Boris Johnson‘s former chief adviser Dominic Cummings has accused the prime minister of lying. According to a tweet by Cummings, prior to the event in question on May 20, 2020, Johnson was specifically told that it was a breach of lockdown rules. However, the head of government decided that it should take place anyway, according to Cummings.
The tweet references a new entry on Cummings’ blog, which says, among other things, “The events of May 20th alone (…) mean the Prime Minister lied to Parliament about parties.” Johnson’s parliamentary secretary, Alex Burghart had been advised by several people to cancel the planned lockdown party in the garden of the office. He agreed with the prime minister, who ordered the party to take place anyway.
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“There are many post-retirement party photos that will come out,” Cummings writes. He and other eyewitnesses are ready to testify under oath to incriminate the prime minister. Cummings was considered Boris Johnson’s closest confidante until he surprisingly resigned from his post in November 2020.
Last week, the Prime Minister admitted in Parliament that he was present at the event with dozens of staff in the garden of 10 Downing Street. But he claimed to have mistook the event, to which his secretary had invited with the note “bring your own alcohol”, for a working meeting. According to a spokeswoman, he claims he did not see the corresponding email.
Johnson’s diversionary tactics
He only apologized for the impression that was created, but did not admit any breach of the rules. Johnson had previously protested in parliament that he had heard nothing at all about lockdown parties at the seat of government. The parties took place at a time when close contact was only allowed between members of the same household.
The government has so far largely remained silent on the allegations, citing an internal investigation. Announcements that the military would be deployed against refugees and that the BBC would no longer be funded by license fees were viewed by critics as populist diversionary tactics. As opposition polls soar, Johnson’s air is getting thinner. (with dpa)
