Mark Landler, the London bureau chief for The New York Times, delves into the explosive scandal surrounding Boris Johnson's alleged lockdown parties at Downing Street. The conversation highlights the growing public outrage and its potential impact on Johnson's leadership. Landler explores how this scandal contrasts with Johnson's earlier Brexit promises and examines the political consequences of his recent apologies. The discussion also touches on the implications of these events for the UK's handling of both the pandemic and ongoing international tensions.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Leaked Video Scandal
Leaked video of a mock press conference revealed Downing Street staff joking about lockdown parties.
This turned a minor scandal into a major one, exposing hypocrisy.
question_answer ANECDOTE
More Parties Emerge
Reports of more parties, including "wine time Fridays" and events with a DJ and broken swing set, fueled public anger.
Parties on the eve of Prince Philip's funeral further intensified outrage.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Johnson's Apology
Boris Johnson offered apologies in the House of Commons, claiming he believed the gathering was a work event.
He faced jeers and skepticism from opposition lawmakers.
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When allegations first emerged in November about parties held at 10 Downing Street, the residence and offices of the British prime minister, during a strict Covid lockdown, Prime Minister Boris Johnson waved them away.
Yet in the weeks since, the scandal has only grown, with public outrage building as more instances and details of lockdown parties at Downing Street have emerged.
Some voters in Britain have long been willing to overlook the foibles of Mr. Johnson’s character, but this is a scandal that poses an existential threat to his leadership.
Guest: Mark Landler, the London bureau chief for The New York Times.
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Background reading:
Boris Johnson’s future is in doubt after two humiliating apologies about parties while the country was under Covid restrictions. Here’s a guide to how he could be forced out, or fight on.
Mr. Johnson, long famed for brushing off accusations of distortion or outright lying that seemed to only bolster his image as an incorrigible scamp, suddenly faces potential political death over the very charge to which he had seemed immune.
The Daily 