Once again, Boris Johnson’s ethics are under the microscope. This time the attack comes from his own party and even from a former prime minister. Sir John Major, who served as prime minister from 1990 to 1997, succeeding Margaret Thatcher, has accused the Johnson administration of being “politically corrupt” after an already turbulent week for the Conservatives.
The Patterson Conservative lobbying case
Recently, Conservative MP Owen Patterson was recently found guilty by a House disciplinary committee of lobbying. According to the data, he provided paid consulting services to two private companies, which was in conflict with his parliamentary duties. The Johnson administration earlier this week tried to change the disciplinary system of MPs, which would automatically postpone Patterson’s sentence. The fact that the vote coincided with the MP’s referral provoked reactions that forced Johnson to turn 180 degrees, apologizing, while leading the MP to resign.
Former Prime Minister Sir Major described the handling of the case as “shameful and wrong”, adding that the general image of the government “radiates arrogance” and tarnishes the reputation of the Conservatives.
Johnson “hit” in the polls
The truth is, the Johnson administration is losing ground in opinion polls. According to the latest YouGov poll, the gap between the Conservatives and Labor has closed at 1% in the voting intention. At the same time, Johnson’s popularity has been hit, as it has dropped to 43%. In another poll, for the Daily Mail, 57% of Britons believe that “the country is headed for corruption”.
Former Prime Minister Sir John Major is no stranger to Johnson. As a supporter of the UK’s stay in the European Union, he was clearly opposed to Boris Johnson taking over the party leadership. In fact, in yesterday’s interview on BBC radio, he did not fail to comment on the issue of Northern Ireland, describing the government’s threats to activate Article 16 as “completely stupid and dangerous”.
The only reaction so far from the government to the Major accusations is the statement of a government source, quoted by the Daily Mail, “that Sir Major just wants to argue against Brexit.”
DW / Zoe Katzagiannaki, London
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