'Double Standards in Quarantine' UK Prime Minister, Reorganizes Despite Resignation Pressure

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson
[Photo by Reuters]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is under pressure to resign over the 'Partygate' scandal involving drinking parties during the COVID-19 lockdown, has unveiled a card to reorganize his team.

According to major foreign media on the 6th (local time), Johnson appointed Steve Barclay, Minister for the Cabinet Office, as the new Chief of Staff, and Guto Harri, former BBC journalist, as Director of Communications the day before.

Johnson stated in a press release, "Through this personnel change, we will be able to improve the operation of the Prime Minister's Office and strengthen roles."

Johnson and his aides have been criticized for violating quarantine rules by holding drinking parties in the Prime Minister's residence garden, birthday parties for the Prime Minister, and Christmas parties during the lockdown.

Recently, a Cabinet Office internal investigation report pointed out serious disciplinary lapses within the Prime Minister's Office, leading to a surge in calls for Johnson's resignation. Recently, Jack Doyle, Director of Communications; Dan Rosenfield, Chief of Staff; Martin Reynolds, Senior Advisor; Munira Mirza, Policy Director; and Elina Narzanski, Education Policy Advisor, have announced their intention to step down. However, Johnson reportedly told his close aides, "If you want to pull me down, you'll have to send in the tank units," indicating he has no intention to resign.

Voices demanding Johnson's resignation are increasing even within the ruling Conservative Party, and it is expected that the conditions for a no-confidence vote against him will soon be met. The no-confidence procedure officially begins when at least 54 members, which is 15% of the 360 Conservative MPs to which Johnson belongs, send letters of no confidence to the party's backbench committee, the '1922 Committee.'

According to the Sunday edition of the British daily The Times, at least 35 Conservative MPs have submitted letters so far. Some estimate the number could be as high as 45. Some MPs report that the number of letters already sent exceeds 50.