The aftermath of Boris Johnson’s appointment of Chris Pincher to a government post, and Downing Street’s shift in circumstances surrounding the decision, have dominated recent political conversation in the UK.
But the drama surrounding Mr Pincher – who resigned as deputy chief of staff to the Conservative Party this month after admitting he was drunk at a private members’ club in London, where he is believed to be. groped two men – just the latest in a string of scandals surrounding Mr Johnson in recent months.
Last year, criticism of possible illegal gatherings at government offices during the containment of the coronavirus in 2020 and 2021, soon after being nicknamed “partygate”, drew headlines and led to speculation that Mr Johnson and others in his inner circle could face punishment.
Following an investigation, police fined Mr Johnson this spring for breaking the lockdown rules at Downing Street, with members of his staff found to have organized a number of rave parties. violated pandemic regulations his government had put in place.
Mr. Johnson survived a vote of confidence in June, but it left him politically reeling.
Additionally, last year the prime minister staunchly defended a Conservative lawmaker, Owen Paterson, for breaching lobbying rules, only to reverse course and then apologize. Under Mr Johnson’s watch, the government pushed through controversial plans to change the system for investigating Mr Paterson, before Mr Johnson withdrew.
And last spring, questions were raised about Mr. Johnson expensive refurbishment of his apartment at 10 Downing Streetinitially funded in part by a Conservative Party donor who added public funding for the renovation.
The allegations prompted an investigation by Britain’s Electoral Commission, and the Conservatives were ultimately fined £17,800, or about $21,000, for failing to properly report the contribution.
