The Times leads with Boris Johnson defying calls for his resignation over lockdown parties in Downing Street as the Tories fell to their lowest poll rating against Labour in almost a decade.
The Daily Mirror writes that Boris Johnson was “fighting for his political life” on Wednesday night as Tory MPs turned on him over “partygate”, joining Labour in calling him to quit.Daily
The Daily Telegraph writes that Chancellor Rishi Sunak declined to fully endorse Boris Johnson until he had seen the results of the investigation into allegations of lockdown-breaking parties in Downing Street. He instead issued a carefully worded message on Twitter after eight hours of public silence following the PM’s apology to the Commons.
The Daily Express reports that Cabinet ministers “rallied around” Boris Johnson on Wednesday night after he apologised for attending a Downing Street drinks party during lockdown, with the embattled PM being urged to carry on leading the country out of the pandemic.
Boris Johnson has mobilised the Cabinet to try and put down a Tory mutiny over the “partygate” scandal, but received only lukewarm support from his Chancellor, the Daily Mail writes.
The Daily Star also leads with the Downing Street drinks event scandal, writing that “amnesiac” Boris Johnson now remembers he did go to the party, though insists it wasn’t a party.
The Guardian writes that Boris Johnson’s premiership is hanging in the balance after Tory MPs began openly calling for his resignation.
The Financial Times reports that Boris Johnson suffered the “toughest day of his premiership” when Scottish Conservative leaders and some English Tories called for him to quit after he admitted to attending a Number 10 “bring your own booze” party in May 2020.
Metro also leads with Boris Johnson facing a barrage of calls to resign after finally admitting he attended a drinks event during lockdown in Downing Street’s garden – claiming he thought it was a work event.
