Partygate anger but time to move on: the mood in another Downing Street
GuardianSep 09, 2022
Tory MP Resigns Citing "Toxic" Downing Street Culture
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The Facts
On Fri., conservative MP Paul Holmes announced his resignation from the Home Office, citing a 'toxic culture' at Downing Street.
Holmes was elected as MP for Eastleigh in the 2019 General Election and had been a parliamentary private secretary to Home Secretary Priti Patel since Sept. 2021.
The Spin
Left narrative
Although the PM and his allies are trying to bring an end to the partygate scandal that has dominated British news agendas for the last six months, the mounting call of Tory backbenchers no longer standing with the government highlights the extent of mistrust and damage that Johnson has caused.
Right narrative
While Holmes' resignation does cause some concern, a parliamentary private secretary is the lowest rung on the ministerial ladder and PM Boris Johnson still has enough backing from Tory MPs.This is by no means catastrophic for Johnson or the Tories.
