By PM ‘mortified’ over partygate fine
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is said to be “mortified” at being fined over the ongoing partygate scandal, according to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.
The PM, along with Chancellor Rishi Sunak, have both been fined for their involvement in lockdown parties, including one thrown to celebrate Mr Johnson’s birthday in June 2020.
Both have defied growing calls to resign after they were fined for breaking COVID laws which were being enforced at the time.
Recent studies have shown that more than half of eligible voters believe Mr Johnson should stand down.
The Prime Ministers wife, Carrie Johnson, has also been fined.
Speaking to Sky News, Mr Shapps said he understood the public’s “upset and anger”.
“He made a mistake – it was embarrassing and stupid, the prime minister’s mortified about it,” he continued.
“But I think there’s a big job for him to get on and do.”
Both Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak have offered full apologies, but despite growing calls to resign from the public and MPs – many of them Conservative – both say they intend to continue in their current roles.
Updates to follow.
