In recent weeks, partygate has felt all but a distant memory in Westminster. After Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Boris Johnson has focussed on recasting himself as a statesman focussed on the foreign affairs crisis.
Even as the Metropolitan police announce their investigation has reached the stage of ‘interviewing key witnesses’, Johnson’s supporters are keen to play down the whole affair in light of the international situation – with Jacob Rees-Mogg suggesting it is ‘trivial fluff’. Meanwhile, signs of the new regime are visible – with MPs at a recent drinks reception with the Prime Minister disappointed to be served soft drinks only.
However, that’s not to say the Prime Minister has lost all appetite for parties these days. In fact, they even appear to have the ability to change his work schedule. Mr S was curious to note a little-noticed detail in the Sunday Times’s interview with Boris Johnson this weekend revealing that the Prime Minister cut short his Middle East oil charm offensive to return home for his wife Carrie Johnson’s birthday party:
The only party the prime minister appeared focused on last week was the one being thrown for his wife Carrie, who turned 34 last Thursday.
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