"Get real Mr Johnson, and lead by example" - Readers' give their thoughts on Boris Johnson's 'BYOB party' apology

‘The Prime Minister apologised for attending a “bring your own booze” party in the Downing Street garden in May 2020, during the first coronavirus lockdown, but insisted he believed it was a work event and could “technically” have been within the rules.

Mr Johnson’s confirmation that he was at the event led to four Tory MPs publicly calling for him to quit, with more privately voicing concerns about his leadership.’

The Labour leader Keir Starmer went further and slammed Boris Johnson, saying that he 'is a man without shame' He added that the British public think the Prime Minister is 'lying through his teeth'. We asked our readers if it was time for Boris Johnson to resign? This is what they had to say on the matter:

Jean Hepplestone is of the opinion that time’s up for Boris, saying ”Yes he should out of respect for the people who weren't allowed to spend time with dying loved ones. He has shown utter contempt, and once again its a rule for one part of society and a rule for another.”

Another of our readers, Daphne Oxford, was not mincing her words at all. “Politicians seem to think that if they apologize, that makes up for their misdemeanors. In my eyes it certainly doesn't. Politicians and especially the Prime Minister are our creme de la creme and should be beyond any bad or careless behaviour. Get real Mr Johnson, and lead by example.” A point that many of our readers agreed with.

"Do as I say not do as I do, has been a policy adopted by the Conservatives for years since Margaret Thatcher was in power”, says Kevin Eason and he continued stating that “ it’s about time he fell on his sword and called an election, apologies won’t take away the hurt he and his cronies have inflicted on normal working people.” Kevin’s words were met with approval from a number of readers.

Pamela Taylor Nixon didn’t buy into his apology, “I think he is worried for his job NOT for his people. I think p45 on its way”

Quite rightly people were angry, Kathleen ‘Madhatter’ Thorpe added the comment, “How can they sack unvaccinated staff who at that time were risking their own lives with inadequate ppe ..whilst he sat in the sun..boozing..sack him not them”

Corinne Hammond added, “Let’s not forget they’re only sorry because they’ve been caught.”

Ben Johnson is very clear in what he thinks should happen, “I want him to resign, and then when everything else comes to light; the fraudulent PPE contracts, the misconduct in public office, the breaking of the Ministerial Code, the misappropriation of public funds etc, I want to see him handcuffed in the cock.” I mean, you can’t argue with that take and many didn’t with Ben receiving a number of heart emojis in response.

Understandably, some readers spoke out in support of Boris Johnson, Wendy Finch said that the “Press are so agressive, who would want his job? Think he’s fine!!”

Christine Walker responded with “Yes he's made mistakes but can't see anyone who could do any better. He's had a rough ride since he was elected, first Brexit then Covid. Give him a break.” A response that was met with a number of laughing emojis and a few responses that firmly disagreed with Christine’s take.

"No matter what Borris said Starmar would never agree”, wrote Barry Smith who also added, “I just hope that he never becomes PM. I am not a fan of Borris but he is far better than any Labour candidate.”

Some of our readers didn’t offer a comment on the Prime Minister’s actions, and instead lamented the state of the political landscape:

Pete Brown opined that “There's not one mp even close to being suitable for pm maybe further down the line there may be one budding mp that could, but one thing's for sure Johnson's never been anywhere near suitable and the opposition is just as bad there's way too much greed - in other words we are f####d!”

Susan Dyson kept it short, “No, I wouldn’t vote for Labour.”

The most responded to comment of all with 55 reactions, Sarah Skinner commented “No he should stay where he is and that's Downing Street. He's doing a cracking job far better than slimey Starmer.” I’m not sure if this is a serious response though.

Finally, Jonathan Jones shared his thoughts, “He has to go and we need a general election as soon as possible to sweep these dreadful people from power. Time to chuck the Eton mess in the bin.”

Following the furore over his admission and subsequent apology. The Prime Minister pulled out of a planned visit to a vaccination centre in Lancashire on Thursday (January 13, 2022), where he would have faced questions from the media about his actions, because a family member tested positive for coronavirus.

Cabinet minister Brandon Lewis urged people to wait for the outcome of an inquiry by senior civil servant Sue Gray into alleged lockdown-busting parties in No 10 and Whitehall before making judgments on the Prime Minister’s future.

“The Prime Minister has outlined that he doesn’t believe that he has done anything outside the rules. If you look at what the investigation finds, people will be able to take their own view of that at the time,” he said.

Downing Street have since said that the Prime Minister is unlikely to be seen in public for a week.

The spokesman added that “in line with the guidance, he’s reducing contacts, he’ll be working from No 10, doing the daily tests, and limiting contact with others both outside No 10 and indeed inside No 10 as well”.

How fortuitous some will say.