Partygate PM Boris Johnson should not get another shot at No10, say voters

24 March 2023 , 17:00

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Most voters don't want him back in No10 (Image: PA)

Most voters believe Boris Johnson should not be given a second chance as Prime Minister, an exclusive poll revealed tonight.

Some 51% said the Partygate premier should be denied another shot at No10, compared with just 35% who say he should be allowed another chance.

The Redfield & Wilton Strategies study of 1,500 voters took place on Wednesday as the ex-PM was fighting for his political career during a 195-minute grilling from the Commons Privileges Committee.

MPs are investigating whether he deliberately or recklessly misled Parliament when he said all rules and guidance were followed over lockdown-busting boozy bashes in No10.

They could recommend a suspension which could trigger a by-election and ultimately oust Mr Johnson from Parliament.

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Tonight's poll deals another blow to Mr Johnson’s dream of a political comeback.

Boris Johnson at a gathering in 10 Downing Street for the departure of a special adviser (PA)

Some 53% believe the Conservative Party made the right decision in forcing him out of Downing Street last September, while just 31% believe it was the wrong decision.

Lib Dem MP Layla Moran, who chairs the All-Party Parliamentary on Coronavirus, said: “It is high time that the former Prime Minister woke up to the fact that his utter disregard for the rules during a time when people across the country made immeasurable sacrifices leaves the door to No10 firmly closed to him.

“The public deserve answers and for all officials involved in the Partygate scandal to be held to account by the public inquiry.”

Meanwhile, a separate Survation study for campaign groups 38 Degrees and Covid Bereaved Families for Justice found more than two thirds of people do not believe Mr Johnson's defence of Partygate events.

Lib Dem MP Layla Moran chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Coronavirus (Getty Images)

He has admitted attending five of the bashes considered by the Privileges Committee but said he "honestly believed that these events were lawful work gatherings".

Some 68% of those polled said they did not believe Mr Johnson when he said he honestly believed he was following the rules at the time.

And 58% said his response to allegations had not been respectful towards those bereaved in the pandemic.

Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice spokeswoman Barbara Herbert, said: "Boris Johnson isn’t fit for any form of public service, never mind being the Prime Minister.

“His legacy is one of lying, complete contempt for the ordinary people he was supposed to protect, and above all presiding over the deaths of nearly 200,000 people whilst he was Prime Minister.

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“If he had any respect he’d quietly step back from public life and reflect on the pain and suffering he has inflicted on so many."

Mr Johnson denies lying to Parliament.

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Ben Glaze