In a recent episode of BBC’s Question Time, the audience was left silent when asked if they believed Prime Minister Boris Johnson had told the truth about the alleged Partygate scandal. This silence spoke volumes about the public’s perception of the government’s handling of the pandemic and their trust in the Prime Minister. Let’s delve deeper into this issue and explore the potential consequences of a lack of transparency and honesty from our leaders.
Last week on BBC’s Question Time, the audience was asked if they believed Boris Johnson lied to MPs about the Partygate scandal. There was a hushed silence that seemed to indicate disagreement. The former prime minister had just finished a three-and-a-half hour evidence session with the privileges committee in parliament over whether he provided knowingly false information about lockdown gatherings. He swore that he had not done so while giving evidence ‘hand on heart’.
The studio audience was not convinced, however, as they remained silent in response to Fiona Bruce’s inquiry. It should come as no surprise, given that this is not the first instance Johnson has faced scrutiny over his honesty. He’s been accused of lying or misleading the public on a variety of issues, including Brexit, the cost of refurbishments for his official residence, and the construction of an airport in the Thames Estuary.
The Question Time audience was reminded that there were more people present who had voted for Johnson and the Conservative party than any other party, before Fiona Bruce asked if they trusted Johnson’s version of events. However, the audience’s reaction suggested that the weight of evidence already accumulated against him was enough to cast doubt on his credibility.
It isn’t just the general public that’s lost faith in Johnson. The prime minister’s own cabinet has reportedly expressed serious reservations about his ability to lead. Many Conservative MPs are worried that the continued Partygate scandal could cost them the next election. Johnson’s refusal to apologise for the scandal or to take responsibility for the current state of affairs, instead deflecting blame onto his subordinates, has further led to accusations of poor leadership.
The situation has been made worse by the fact that Johnson tried to initially cover up the scandal. When news of the the PM’s Downing Street Christmas party broke last year, Johnson denied that it had occurred. However, it’s since become clear that the event did take place and that there were a number of other similar gatherings involving government staff during lockdown.
Johnson has managed to survive multiple crises in the past, but this particular scandal could prove to be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. The public mood has shifted and the government doesn’t appear to have adequate measures in place to cope. At this stage, it seems likely that Johnson’s credibility will continue to come under fire for the foreseeable future.
