A slew of scandals have called British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s judgment and ethics into question.
Two parliamentary by-election defeats demonstrated his unpopularity. Johnson is now fighting for political survival after an eruption of resignations from various government members.
Despite mounting calls for his resignation, Johnson, who became prime minister in 2019 and won a massive 80-seat majority in a subsequent election, insists he has the mandate and responsibility to stay in power as the country faces a cost-of-living crisis and a European war.
Conservative party members cannot currently vote no confidence in their leader because Johnson won one just a month ago with 211 votes in favor and 148 votes against. The rules grant him immunity for an additional 11 months.
On Thursday (July 6), the number of resignations from the government and party surpassed 50, with Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis becoming the day’s first cabinet member to resign, quickly followed by seven other ministers.
On Wednesday, more than 40 ministers and aides resigned, a 24-hour record.
It is said that the revelations about the prime minister’s handling of sexual misconduct allegations against former Deputy Chief Whip Chris Pincher triggered the wave of resignations.
