CCHQ’s briefing backfires
Spectator (UK)Dec 22, 2021
The Facts
UK PM Boris Johnson has avoided receiving another fixed penalty notice (FPN) after the Met police confirmed on Thurs. that it has issued more than 100 fines over a series of events in Whitehall that violated COVID restrictions in 2020. At least 50 FPNs were issued in the latest wave by authorities.
The Conservative leader apologized to the House of Commons in April after he was fined for breaking lockdown rules and faced accusations from the opposition that he knowingly misled parliament.
The Spin
Left narrative
Johnson lied brazenly to parliament that pandemic restrictions were followed at all times. 80% of the public even believe that the PM has not told the truth about Partygate. The extent of Johnson's deception may well prompt the Tories to move against their own leader.
Right narrative
Now is not the right or responsible time for Johnson to go. The UK and the rest of Europe face an international crisis over the Russian invasion of Ukraine; though a change of leader would be appropriate under normal circumstances, the UK cannot risk appointing a lame-duck PM at such a grave time.
