I Almost Quit Over Downing Street Party Scandal, Says Boris Johnson’s Ethics Sentinel Lord Geidt
- Boris Johnson’s adviser on ministerial interests considered leaving Lord Geidt
- The ethics watchdog said he was ‘clearly disappointed’ by the prime minister
- He said it has been a ‘particularly busy year’ for Mr Johnson because of his actions
boris johnsonEthics watchdog Lord Geidt has indicated he is considering leaving Downing Street Party scandal.
Colleague said he was ‘obviously disappointed’ with the prime minister’s reaction to being fined by police for breaking lockdown Law and resignation was ‘always on the agenda’ at number 10.
Lord Geidt also pointed out that MPs were ‘pressurised’ by the sheer number of scraps the PM himself indulged in, and that it was a ‘particularly busy year’.
Boris Johnson’s adviser on ministerial interests Lord Geidt (pictured) indicated he had thought about leaving his role due to a challenging year
Boris Johnson’s actions throughout the year, including his reaction to being fined, have ‘disappointed’ Lord Geidt.
And despite having independent advisors on ministers’ interests, the watchdog acknowledged that it was very difficult to convince people that he did not have a ‘comfortable’ relationship with Downing Street.
But he insisted he now has the power to launch an investigation into possible breaches of the ministerial code – and will not be afraid to do so.
His remarks were made to the Committee on Commons Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs.
Labour’s Harriet Herman will lead the investigation into whether Mr Johnson misled parliament on lockdown parties.
Fellow MPs yesterday confirmed him as chairman of the Privileges Inquiry Committee.
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