Boris Johnson’s fate in UK partygate could rest with police, powerful 1922 Committee
- Johnson’s leadership in question as police investigate lockdown parties at Downing Street, Whitehall
- The Conservative Party’s 1922 Committee has the power to trigger moves to oust the prime minister
Mired in lockdown party scandals, the fate of embattled UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson could be determined by two powerful institutions.
The other, the Conservative Party’s own powerful 1922 Committee, which is made up of 18 backbench MPs. Unlike the frontbench ministers who sit next to the prime minister in the UK parliament, backbenchers do not head government ministries or departments.
However it is these 18 “men in grey suits” as the committee is also known (although the current committee has three women) that Johnson probably fears the most, for the short-term at least. It has the power to trigger moves to oust the prime minister.
The Cabinet Office said its own investigation by senior official Sue Gray was continuing and there was ongoing contact with police. Gray’s report, also seen as crucial to Johnson’s fate, was expected to be made public this week. There were also reports it could be delayed in light of police involvement.
“The Met Police (yes the police) is investigating the highest office in this country. Is that not enough for @Conservatives to deal with this and restore a resemblance of decency and normality,” Gary Neville, the legendary former Manchester United footballer, tweeted. “Send your damn letters now or you’re all complicit. He’s taking you all down.”
