LONDON: Prime Minister Boris Johnson finds himself in deep trouble as an investigation into his alleged violation of Covid rules during lockdown continues.
Four officials at 10 Downing Street have submitted resignations as pressure continues to mount on the government over the so-called “partygate” scandal.
Munira Mirza, policy chief at the prime minister’s office was the first amongst the top aides to tender her resignation which also served as a charge sheet accusing PM of “scurrilous” behavior when he falsely linked Keir Starmer to the failure to bring pedophile Jimmy Savile to justice.
In a strong rebuke of Johnson, Mirza said: “There was no fair or reasonable basis for that assertion. This was not the usual cut and thrust of politics; it was an inappropriate and partisan reference to a horrendous case of child sexual abuse.”
Her departure dealt a serious blow to Johnson as it comes at the heels of a report by bureaucrat Sue Gray, accusing him of failure of leadership and judgment.
Within hours of Mirza’s resignation, three more advisors of the PM had gone. The flurry of resignations came at the end of an important day for the government as Chancellor Rishi Sunak sought to explain how he hopes to avert a cost-of-living crisis for millions of people affected by rising fuel bills and mortgage payments.
In a sign of Johnson’s waning authority, even Sunak conceded in a press conference when asked about the PM’s jibe at the Labour leader Keir Starmer, “being honest, I wouldn’t have said it.”
Sunak’s comments are significant given that he is being seen as a strong contender to replace Johnson in the event of the latter’s departure.
Chief of Staff, Dan Rosenfield, and Principal Private Secretary, Martin Reynolds, who supposedly sent out invitation emails for one such “bring your own booze party” on May 20, 2020 – are also leaving, confirmed Downing Street on Thursday.
In a brief statement, the prime minister’s office said: “Dan Rosenfield offered his resignation to the prime minister earlier today, which has been accepted.”
While confirming Reynold’s exit, Downing Street said: “Martin Reynolds also informed the prime minister of his intention to stand down from his role as principal private secretary and the prime minister has agreed to this.”
“He [Johnson] has thanked them both for their significant contribution to government and No 10, including work on the pandemic response and economic recovery,” the statement read.
The two advisors will continue in their roles while successors are appointed, and sources reveal that the recruitment for both posts is currently underway.
Similarly, Jack Doyle who is currently serving as director of communications at Downing Street asked the PM to relieve him of his duties.
