Boris Johnson is going... these are the 11 scandals which led to his downfall
07.07.2022 - 13:21
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Boris Johnson's premiership has been dogged by scandal after scandal. Since entering 10 Downing Street in 2019 he's attempted to ride every out storm that struck.
But now, after dozens of ministerial resignations and a Cabinet revolt, he's agreed to resign. Here we take a look back at 11 scandals which eventually led to his downfall.
Unlawfully proroguing Parliament
In 2019 Boris Johnson prorogued Parliament, in a move which the Supreme Court later ruled was unlawful. Shutting down the Commons for five weeks before the Brexit deadline had an 'extreme' effect on democracy, 11 justices said.
The PM later announced a crackdown on the ability to challenge his decisions in the courts.
Jennifer Arcuri
Mr Johnson's friendship with Jennifer Arcuri led to a string of ethics probes. The model-turned-entrepreneur - who went on three trade missions he led as London mayor -later said she had an affair with the married PM.
Read more:LIVE: Boris Johnson agrees to resign - latest updates
The police watchdog did not open a criminal investigation, but found 'some evidence' they were in an 'intimate relationship' - and said failing to declare it could have breached the London Assembly’s code of conduct.
Barnard Castle
Dominic Cummings' infamous trip to Barnard Castle, while sick with covid during the first lockdown, sparked widespread public anger. Mr Johnson stood by his top aide after he refused to resign despite the huge backlash.
VIP lane
A so-called VIP lane used to hand out PPE contracts to two companies during covid was ruled unlawful by the High Court. Thousands of contracts were awarded to private companies as the Government battled to get vital equipment such as PPE and tests at the start of the pandemic.
The Government