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Partygate: ‘If Boris Johnson were a nurse, he’d be struck off’

Nurses voice their anger about former prime minister’s evidence to parliament about pandemic gatherings he described as ‘absolutely essential’ for morale

Nurses voice their anger about former prime minister’s evidence to parliament about pandemic gatherings he described as ‘absolutely essential’ for morale

Boris Johnson giving evidence to the parliamentary privileges committee
Boris Johnson giving evidence to the parliamentary privileges committee. Picture: Parliament TV

Nurses have reacted with disgust to Boris Johnson’s claim that Downing Street parties were essential for staff morale during COVID-19 lockdowns.

Appearing before the Westminster parliament’s privileges committee on 22 March, Mr Johnson insisted to MPs that his attendance at some events was ‘essential’ for staff morale and that the gatherings were to thank staff, including those leaving No. 10.

Mr Johnson said that in general ‘thanking and encouraging staff’ and maintaining morale were ‘absolutely essential’ for work purposes. He claimed it was his ‘duty as prime minister’ to say a few words of thanks.

Nurse criticises Boris Johnson’s ‘morally indefensible’ actions

Many nurses and NHS staff who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic hit out at Mr Johnson’s remarks, saying they were ‘sickened’ by his explanation.

‘If Johnson were a nurse, he'd be struck off and never allowed to practice ever again,’ said mental health nurse Ed Freshwater.

Another nurse, Stephen Charleston, said: ‘I'm a critical care nurse. If I'd hosted a booze-up with work colleagues during the lockdown, I'd have faced a disciplinary and sanction from my professional regulator. I would also immediately resign as my actions would be morally indefensible.’

Mr Johnson could face House of Commons suspension

The former prime minister is being investigated over whether he misled the House of Commons when he repeatedly denied parties had occurred and assured that COVID-19 guidance had been followed at Downing Street during the pandemic.

If Mr Johnson is found to have been in contempt of parliament by the committee, he could be suspended from the House of Commons, which could trigger a by-election in his constituency of Uxbridge and South Ruislip.

Garden party ‘was not a large social gathering’

Mr Johnson’s comments came after he was questioned over a ‘bring your own booze’ party that took place in the Downing Street garden on 20 May 2020.

Asked if he would have advised anyone else to have a ‘large social gathering in their garden’, Mr Johnson rejected that description of the event.

‘It was not a large social gathering,’ he said. ‘I really must insist on this point. People who say that we were partying in lockdown simply do not know what they are talking about.’


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