Boris Johnson on defensive in UK ‘sleaze’ row
- UK PM in damage control after ex-aide makes series of incendiary allegations
- Opposition: ‘The stench of sleaze coming from the Conservatives is overwhelming’
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson was battling to get his government back on track amid incendiary claims about his conduct during the pandemic and ongoing rows over lobbying and cronyism.
The Daily Mail reported on Monday that the premier said last year he would rather see “bodies pile high in their thousands” than order a third lockdown, citing unnamed sources. Johnson’s office “strongly denied” he made the comment, according to the newspaper.
Cummings was expected to launch a fresh attack over the government’s handling of Covid-19 when he appears before a parliamentary committee on May 26. He could personally blame his former boss for failures during the second wave of the pandemic that led to one of the worst death tolls in Europe – and point to evidence that proves it.
Cabinet Secretary Simon Case, the UK’s top civil servant, was preparing to face questions over Cummings’ claims as he faces the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs committee on Monday. He was to also be asked about the collapsed lender Greensill Capital’s links to the government, and the “effectiveness” of rules requiring ministers to conduct business “ethically and with propriety”.
A senior government minister could also be hauled to the House of Commons to explain Cummings’ allegations, following demands for a statement from the Labour opposition party.
