By Starmer calls Johnson “worst possible prime minister” after Tory revolt
Labour leader Keir Starmer launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Boris Johnson, calling him the “worst possible prime minister at the worst possible time. and “too weak to lead.”
The Leader of the Opposition said this during Wednesday’s final PMQs before the Christmas shutdown, just a day after 100 Conservatives voted against the government’s introduction of so-called Covid passports.
Mr Starmer claimed that he had no authority, calling his leadership into question after weeks of allegations and leaked images which appear to show Covid-breaching Christmas parties in No 10 last year.
“I don’t believe him, his MPs don’t believe him, nor do the British public – he is taking the public for fools and it is becoming dangerous.”
He added that the PM had “no hope of regaining the moral authority to deliver difficult messages” regarding any future restrictions “if he cannot be straight with the public about the rule-breaking in Downing Street last Christmas.”
In response, Mr Johnson said that he has launched an inquiry into “what went on last year”, adding that Mr Starmer should explain “why there are pictures of him quaffing beer”.
The Sun posted an image of the Labour leader having a beer with party workers in May claims which the party have denied.
Mr Johnson dismissed the row over the alleged party, calling it “partisan trivia” and saying that the public are instead “focused on” the vaccine booster roll-out.
While not going as far as to call for his resignation, Mr Starmer did call for the PM to “look in the mirror” and ask himself whether he had the “trust and the authority” to lead the country.
The devolved powers were more outspoken in their disapproval of the government’s policy, as Scotland are expected to announce new guidelines on social mixing ahead of Christmas.
Ian Blackford, the SNP leader in Westminster, called into question his leadership, saying, “a prime minister who can’t do what is needed to protect the public is no prime minister at all.”
Meanwhile, the SDLP’s Colum Eastwood called for the PMs resignation for “eroding public confidence” in Covid policies.
The Prime Minister rejected this, saying that he will continue to lead the government to help “get though this pandemic together.”
