British Media Lash Out at Shameless Boris Johnson Reportedly

The publication of a report on the partygate scandal dominates the front pages of morning newspapers in the UK on Tuesday. Prime Minister Boris Johnson gets the full brunt in many cases. For example, the Daily Mirror writes that the “shameless” Johnson still refuses to resign.

“Failing leadership,” headlines Metro, quoting from the critical report by top government official Sue Gray. He had been strict about festive gatherings with government employees during lockdowns. These have led to the impression that government employees are not so careful with their own corona policy.

The police have also launched an investigation. As a result, Gray was unable to publish all of her findings. Instead, she limited herself to a relatively short preliminary version, to the chagrin of some media. The Daily Mail opened with a call to make everything public: “Now publish the whole damn thing”, publish the damn everything.

Partygate has shaken Johnson’s position. “Police are now investigating 12 parties, three of which were attended by the Prime Minister, one was in his own flat,” headlines The Daily Mirror. Meanwhile, discontent is growing within the Johnson Conservative Party. “Tories turn against the prime minister over Gray report,” the Guardian said on its front page.

Some media reports with a wink about the fuss. “50 Shades of Gray” headlines the Daily Star, which published a photoshopped image of a chained prime minister. The headline is a reference to the erotic book 50 Shades of Grey. The tabloid concludes that Johnson has taken a severe beating in the report.