# Prime Minister Boris Johnson tries to lead the UK but has resigned on July 7, 2022 **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [July 30, 2019, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prime-minister-boris-johnson-tries-to-lead-the-uk-but-has-resigned-on-july-7-2022/837872 "2019-07-30T14:24:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 66
**Author:** ![Stanislaus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stanislaus/32/3391_2.png) [@Stanislaus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stanislaus)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2022, 8:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prime-minister-boris-johnson-tries-to-lead-the-uk-but-has-resigned-on-july-7-2022/837872/1302 "2022-05-13T08:31:55Z")
> [@Alessan](#): > > The problem with proportional representation - and I’m speaking from experience here - is that it creates a huge mess of feuding parties, which can make forming a coalition a real _bitch_ . The problem we have in the UK is that despite First Past The Post giving the government a strong majority, politics is still dominated by feuding and coalition forming. The Tories have an 80 seat majority and so should be able to drive through a programme of government, but they are constantly fighting amongst themselves, split between Spartan Brexiteers, Red Wallers, low-taxers etc. Hence the recent programme for government (aka Queen’s Speech). Despite us facing an enormous cost of living crisis, a likely recession, an ongoing health provision crisis, plummeting trade plus minor things like climate change, the best the government could come up with to deal with these issues was a plan to let people change street names more easily plus some culture ear bullshit. Because the feuding between different factions doesn’t allow any actual action to be taken. ---
**Author:** ![JustinC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/justinc/32/8083_2.png) [@JustinC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JustinC)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2022, 9:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prime-minister-boris-johnson-tries-to-lead-the-uk-but-has-resigned-on-july-7-2022/837872/1303 "2022-05-13T09:50:29Z")
> [@PatrickLondon](#): > > It’s just been announced that his latest wizard wheeze to keep down the cost of living is to order thee cabinet to cut 90,000 civil service jobs. Yes, that’s really going to reduce the energy bills and the numbers of people at the food banks. If that’s achieved through retirement and not replacing people when they leave - rather redeploying to fill gaps - then it’s just a bit of an ambitious timescale. You’re right, though, in that it’ll have zero effect on global energy prices. ---
**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2022, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prime-minister-boris-johnson-tries-to-lead-the-uk-but-has-resigned-on-july-7-2022/837872/1304 "2022-05-17T21:45:41Z")
And in the news: > **[Tory MP arrested on suspicion of rape and banned from Commons](https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/may/17/tory-mp-arrested-on-suspicion-of-and-banned-from-commons-reports)** > > MP arrested on suspicion of indecent assault, sexual assault, rape, abuse of position of trust and misconduct Anyone know his name? ---
**Author:** ![Fiendish\_Astronaut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fiendish_astronaut/32/3295_2.png) [@Fiendish\_Astronaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiendish_Astronaut)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2022, 7:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prime-minister-boris-johnson-tries-to-lead-the-uk-but-has-resigned-on-july-7-2022/837872/1305 "2022-05-18T07:59:04Z")
It’s historical and Mark Francois had a historical allegation against him which was apparently reopened recently. However it is all still just rumour, nothing concrete. But that’s what Twitter is saying - though there’s plenty of hate for MF so all the chat may be wishful thinking. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2022, 9:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prime-minister-boris-johnson-tries-to-lead-the-uk-but-has-resigned-on-july-7-2022/837872/1306 "2022-05-18T09:06:27Z")
I’ve seen a few names bandied about including MF, but I’ll wait for confirmation on that. It’ll have to come out soon, if only because his constituents have a right to know if their MP has been banned from the Commons. Saw an wry comment along the lines of “If you hear a Tory MP has been accused of sexual assault and you find yourself asking ‘Is this the same one or a new one?’, maybe this party shouldn’t be in government.” ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2022, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prime-minister-boris-johnson-tries-to-lead-the-uk-but-has-resigned-on-july-7-2022/837872/1307 "2022-05-19T00:52:30Z")
Also if several candidates for the role come instantly, and plausibly, to mind. ---
**Author:** ![PatrickLondon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/patricklondon/32/4422_2.png) [@PatrickLondon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatrickLondon)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2022, 9:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prime-minister-boris-johnson-tries-to-lead-the-uk-but-has-resigned-on-july-7-2022/837872/1308 "2022-05-19T09:54:56Z")
Meanwhile, in among all the other rakes the Tories are treading on, here is Johnson’s personal insight on the working from home issue (third para down, if you were in any doubt as to why the govt is in the state it’s in): > **[Boris Johnson says cheese and coffee can distract when working from home](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/may/14/boris-johnson-urges-more-people-to-return-to-office-working)** > > PM calls for return to offices, saying it makes staff ‘more productive, more energetic, more full of ideas’ ---
**Author:** ![Mijin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mijin/32/9369_2.png) [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2022, 11:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prime-minister-boris-johnson-tries-to-lead-the-uk-but-has-resigned-on-july-7-2022/837872/1309 "2022-05-19T11:07:20Z")
Surprised by how badly Boris did at PMQs. Faced with questions about the cost of living crisis and the possibility of a windfall tax of the energy companies, his answer was essentially “well, Labour always want to increase taxes” – which you might notice is not a defence of the policy at all, nor a plan for doing anything. I mean, even if you don’t think a windfall tax is the right approach, it was just a horrible answer. Although, there are many rumors that the windfall tax will ultimately be implemented, so I guess he didn’t want to waste his breath defending the status quo? BTW, how come this thread is not in the Politics forum? ---
**Author:** ![ShadowFacts](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shadowfacts/32/2934_2.png) [@ShadowFacts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShadowFacts)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2022, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prime-minister-boris-johnson-tries-to-lead-the-uk-but-has-resigned-on-july-7-2022/837872/1310 "2022-05-19T16:51:19Z")
> [@Mijin](#): > > BTW, how come this thread is not in the Politics forum? Americans like to keep British politics separate from theirs. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2022, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prime-minister-boris-johnson-tries-to-lead-the-uk-but-has-resigned-on-july-7-2022/837872/1311 "2022-05-20T00:55:16Z")
While Boris was seen at several of the Partygate events he only got one fine. Explanation? ---
**Author:** ![filmstar-en](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/50afbb/32.png) [@filmstar-en](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmstar-en)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2022, 11:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prime-minister-boris-johnson-tries-to-lead-the-uk-but-has-resigned-on-july-7-2022/837872/1312 "2022-05-25T11:25:06Z")
The Sue Gray report into Partygate has landed. Johnson and his team will have carefully planned a response to this. Maybe lots of contrition, given the facts are damning. But remember it is not the public that decides his fate, it is his party and there are few credible contenders to replace Boris. He is all they have and so may be inclined to stick with him, hoping that he can pull a rabbit out of the hat before the next General Election on Thursday, 2nd May 2024. The rank and file of the Conservative party will be very unimpressed. Lying to Parliament is a big no-no in British Politics and Boris Johnson often skates on thin ice with respect to truth and honesty. He has a meeting with the 1922 committee later, whose confidence he needs to remain in power. There is also a standard committee meeting in two weeks that will examine whether he has broken the ministerial code of conduct in public office. He will have a team of lawyers trying to dodge and explain the accusations. It will be interesting to see if there any resignations following the report, if the criticism gets too intense, someone lower down will be sacrificed and forced to resign. Sue Gray is a civil servant and she will be keen to protect the Civil Service from accusations that they colluded with the party loving antics of the politicians: Johnson and his chums at 10 Downing St. The news commentaries are full of stories about how the public suffered the separation from their loved ones in their last hours. while Johnson partied as if the rules did not apply his privileged elite, at the same time giving stern lectures about the importance of following the Covid guidelines and laws his government passed. The public will not forget such outrageous hypocrisy. > **[Read it in full: Sue Gray's much-anticipated final Partygate report](https://www.lbc.co.uk/politics/read-in-full-sue-gray-final-partygate-report/)** > > Sue Gray's final report on a series of lockdown-breaking No10 parties has been released in full, prompting a renewed apology from Boris Johnson and fresh calls for him to quit. Read the full report here. Prime Minsters Question time should be quite hysterical. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2022, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prime-minister-boris-johnson-tries-to-lead-the-uk-but-has-resigned-on-july-7-2022/837872/1313 "2022-05-25T13:03:14Z")
Here’s CNN’s coverage: > **[Boris Johnson's staff got drunk, brawled and abused cleaners during Covid...](https://www.cnn.com/2022/05/25/uk/boris-johnson-sue-gray-partygate-report-gbr-intl/index.html)** > > Parties that went on until the early hours of the morning. Drunken staff vomiting and fighting with each other. Downing Street walls stained with red wine. And an illegal birthday party for Britain's Prime Minister, complete with six-packs of beer... ---
**Author:** ![Pleonast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pleonast/32/1183_2.png) [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2022, 1:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prime-minister-boris-johnson-tries-to-lead-the-uk-but-has-resigned-on-july-7-2022/837872/1314 "2022-05-25T13:12:50Z")
> [@filmstar-en](#): > > Johnson and his team will have carefully planned a response to this. Oh, are they known for their careful planning? 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2022, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prime-minister-boris-johnson-tries-to-lead-the-uk-but-has-resigned-on-july-7-2022/837872/1315 "2022-05-25T15:38:43Z")
> [@filmstar-en](#): > > Johnson and his team will have carefully planned a response to this. Maybe lots of contrition, given the facts are damning. Naah. A vague apology followed by the usual equivocating over whether it was really a party or a work-related event and anyway the Prime Minister is too busy steering the country through these difficult times to be focused on these minor incidents that everyone has moved on from, and also Sir Keir Starmer is really “Sir Beer Korma”. Because Boris is a petty lying asshole. ---
**Author:** ![SciFiSam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/47e85d/32.png) [@SciFiSam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SciFiSam)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2022, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prime-minister-boris-johnson-tries-to-lead-the-uk-but-has-resigned-on-july-7-2022/837872/1316 "2022-05-25T17:01:28Z")
One of the responses from the Tory party has been for Grant Shapps remind us that Boris lost his Mum during that period. She died ten months AFTER the party. > **[Grant Shapps says 'not partying' PM 'lost his mum' - but she died a year later](https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/grant-shapps-claims-not-partying-27047663)** > > Cabinet Partygate ally Grant Shapps said Boris Johnson was "clearly not partying" when he raised a glass of fizz and pointed out "he lost his mum during the period", despite the fact she died 10 months after the party ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2022, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prime-minister-boris-johnson-tries-to-lead-the-uk-but-has-resigned-on-july-7-2022/837872/1317 "2022-05-25T19:11:41Z")
Anticipatory grieving. It shows what a visionary leader he is! ---
**Author:** ![PatrickLondon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/patricklondon/32/4422_2.png) [@PatrickLondon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatrickLondon)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2022, 10:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prime-minister-boris-johnson-tries-to-lead-the-uk-but-has-resigned-on-july-7-2022/837872/1318 "2022-05-26T10:12:08Z")
Barnacle Boris says we should all move on. High time he did. Who knows, there might still be a slot on this year’s _Strictly Come Dancing_ ---
**Author:** ![PatrickLondon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/patricklondon/32/4422_2.png) [@PatrickLondon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatrickLondon)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2022, 9:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prime-minister-boris-johnson-tries-to-lead-the-uk-but-has-resigned-on-july-7-2022/837872/1319 "2022-06-01T09:36:56Z")
State of play: [https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/may/31/now-or-never-tory-mps-face-last-chance-to-ditch-johnson-before-election](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/may/31/now-or-never-tory-mps-face-last-chance-to-ditch-johnson-before-election) ---
**Author:** ![Fiendish\_Astronaut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fiendish_astronaut/32/3295_2.png) [@Fiendish\_Astronaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiendish_Astronaut)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2022, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prime-minister-boris-johnson-tries-to-lead-the-uk-but-has-resigned-on-july-7-2022/837872/1320 "2022-06-01T20:07:37Z")
If the 55 letter threshold has been met Graham Brady would certainly wait until after the Jubilee weekend to announce it - so as not to overshadow her Maj’s big weekend. The number of _known_ letters to the committee is almost at the same number that were publicly known when the threshold was reached against Theresa May at the end of 2018. ---
**Author:** ![filmstar-en](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/50afbb/32.png) [@filmstar-en](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmstar-en)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2022, 7:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prime-minister-boris-johnson-tries-to-lead-the-uk-but-has-resigned-on-july-7-2022/837872/1321 "2022-06-06T07:17:20Z")
Aha! The word on the street is that a confidence vote is soon to be announced, now that the Jubilee celebrations are over. Will Johnson be able to muster enough support in the Conservative party to stay in power? Who in the lacklustre range of other candidates has enough support to win the leadership? The dynamics at play in the tea rooms of Westminster are not transparent. But there is no clear challenger. Johnson could survive this and would be safe for another year. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prime-minister-boris-johnson-tries-to-lead-the-uk-but-has-resigned-on-july-7-2022/837872.md?page=65) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prime-minister-boris-johnson-tries-to-lead-the-uk-but-has-resigned-on-july-7-2022/837872.md?page=67)