Controversy Over Gwanjeo Party... Majority of Britons Say "Prime Minister Johnson Should Resign"

Opposition Parties Jointly Urge Resignation

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] In a public opinion poll holding Prime Minister Boris Johnson accountable for violating quarantine rules and hosting a drinking party at the official residence during the first COVID-19 lockdown, half of the British public expressed the opinion that he should resign.

According to Sky News on the 11th (local time), in a survey conducted by polling firm YouGov of 5,931 adults, 56% answered "yes" when asked if Prime Minister Johnson should resign.

Twenty-seven percent responded that he should "continue to hold the office of Prime Minister," and 17% said "don't know." Sky News reported that this is the first time in a poll that the opinion for Johnson's resignation exceeded 50%.

Additionally, in a survey of Conservative Party members, 34% demanded Johnson's resignation. In a survey conducted in July 2020, only 9% responded that he should resign.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson (right in the photo) and his chief secretary Martin Reynolds. (Photo by The Guardian)

According to local media, during the first COVID-19 lockdown in May 2020, Prime Minister Johnson violated quarantine rules and sent an email inviting 100 people to a drinking party at the official residence.

The email sent by Johnson's personal secretary Martin Reynolds included the message, "Please bring your own drinks." The event was attended by 40 officials and staff members, including Prime Minister Johnson and his spouse.

Criticism poured in not only from opposition parties but also from within the Conservative Party, demanding accountability from Prime Minister Johnson. Opposition lawmakers strongly condemned the Prime Minister's Office for holding a party while the public was struggling to comply with lockdown regulations during an emergency inquiry that day.

When Johnson did not appear for the inquiry, Angela Rayner, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, sharply remarked, "You can run, but you cannot hide."

Douglas Ross, leader of the Scottish Conservative Party, said in an interview with Sky News, "If Johnson attended the party, he should resign." John Caudwell, a major Conservative donor, also told the BBC that Johnson should resolve the issue or step down.

Public criticism of Johnson, who enjoyed a party at the official residence while the public was struggling to comply with lockdown rules, is intensifying day by day.

The Telegraph predicted in a column that Johnson might not survive this time. On social media, posts appeared about experiences of being trapped at home while the Prime Minister's Office held a party, and the media reported the number of deaths on the day of the party.

This incident is expected to be a major blow to Prime Minister Johnson, who is facing the worst political crisis due to by-election defeats and declining approval ratings.

Johnson's political position has become increasingly precarious as key minister David Frost, the Brexit Secretary, resigned in opposition to quarantine policies, lobbying with Dyson's founder was exposed, and allegations of misusing political donations surfaced.