Let the party continue!

It’s been just under a month since British Prime Minister Boris Johnson found himself embroiled in "partygate". While UK residents were in lockdown in 2020 and 2021, a series of parties were held at 10 Downing Street, some of which were attended by the Prime Minister.

Johnson - by now a master of political survival - made his humblest apologies, but is still holding strong. In mid-January there were two political rescue efforts via populist measures and dismissals: desperate attempts to sweep partygate under the carpet, along with the economic crisis hitting the country.

For the moment, Johnson's Tories are standing firm, even as criticism rains down from all sides. The recent report by senior civil servant Sue Gray revealing more details about these gatherings explicitly points the finger at the Prime Minister. While the new revelations have not toppled Johnson, they have put even more pressure on this inveterate admirer of Churchill, and on his remaining supporters. It remains to be seen how long they can weather the storm.