Johnson loyalist says PM removal inevitable amid Partygate scandal
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One of Boris Johnson's most loyal supporters says it was inevitable that Tory MPs would remove him from office, effectively undermining the UK PM's efforts to save his premiership.
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Walker likened the events in the Tory Party to a Greek tragedy
In an interview with The Observer, Conservative British MP Charles Walker said Boris Johnson should go of his own accord.
The MP likened the events currently taking place in the Tory Party to a Greek tragedy. “It is an inevitable tragedy,” he said, “He is a student of Greek and Roman tragedy. It is going to end in him going, so I just want him to have some agency in that.”
Walker had announced at the start of the month that he was stepping down as a member of parliament. He told the Observer that Johnson did many things right, such as his handling of the fight against the Coronavirus, and should be remembered for that, instead of losing a challenge for leadership.
The succession of scandals has focused the attention of the UK on Johnson, and this can only be addressed if the premier steps down, Walker said, adding "It is just not going to get better."
As MPs are currently sending letters of no confidence in Johnson, it seems that several MPs who have yet to go public with their letters are likely to send them early next week. When a total of 54 letters is sent to the chair of the Conservative Party's committee, known as the 1922 Committee, he will consult the PM on when a vote of no confidence among Tory MPs should take place.
Johnson would then have to step down if he fails to win a majority.
Aides resign
The resignation of five of his aides last week amid his refusal to step down had Johnson try to remedy his situation but appointing people in their stead, including the appointment of an MP as his chief of staff, which is highly unusual. This, according to the Observer, suggests that the British premier may have problems recruiting outsiders amid doubts whether he will last much longer in his position.
Labour’s deputy leader, Angela Rayner, said: “Boris Johnson is panicking as he frantically rearranges deckchairs. The prime minister has clearly run out of serious people willing to serve under his chaotic and incompetent leadership so now expects a cabinet minister to be his chief of staff.”
