By Boris Johnson announces changes to No 10 but refuses to step down
Mr Johnson opened his statement in the House of Commons by accepting the findings of Sue Gray’s reports and once again apologised for the events at Downing Street.
However, despite calls from all sides, the PM has not stepped down from his role.
Instead, he has called for changes in leadership and attitude in Number 10.
He says the “fragmented” nature needs to be addressed, so he will create an office of the prime minister.
Secondly, he says it is time to review the civil service code of conduct.
And thirdly, he promises more announcements in the coming days to improve the working of government and the connection between No 10 and Parliament.
Leader of the Labour party Keir Starmer started his attack on the PM by stating that there are now 12 events under investigation.
Sir Keir talked about the “rage and even guilt” many people in the country have felt during the pandemic.
“People shouldn’t feel guilty, they should feel pride in themselves and the country,” he said.
“The prime minister has taken us all for fools.”
He once again called for the PM to stand now, stating that Mr Johnson has no honesty or integrity and is unfit for office.
Former PM Theresa May voiced her own question, asking if those in Downing Street believed that the rules did not apply to them.
In reply, Mr Johnson said that this isn’t what the report said.
In a dramatic sequence of events, SNP Leader Ian Blackford was kicked out of the House of Commons for accusing the PM of lying, something which is not allowed.
The heated exchange saw Blackford passionately refuse to withdraw his comments despite The Speaker giving him multiple chances.
As he made his comments, Blackford called out Mr Johnson for laughing despite the severity of the situation.
He went on to state that over 150,000 people have sadly lost their lives but that this sacrfice has been tainted by the image of th Prime Minister laughing.
He stated: “For every moment the Prime Minister stays, trust in government and rule of law is ebbing away.”
