After Boris Johnson faced a hostile response in the chamber from opposition MPs over his partygate fine, on Tuesday evening the Prime Minister addressed his own MPs in a meeting organised by the government whips. Ahead of the meeting, Johnson had been dealt a blow when former chief whip Mark Harper said he no longer had confidence in his ability to lead the government.
Johnson’s meeting was notable for what it missed: no mention of partygate. ‘It was more like an election rally speech,’ says an attendee. The Prime Minister embarked on a call and command as he asked MPs who they would trust more with the economy – Rishi Sunak or Rachel Reeves – and who would best control the borders – Priti Patel or Yvette Cooper. The Prime Minster also waded into the controversy over the government’s plan to send refugees to Rwanda – suggesting the Archbishop of Canterbury’s criticisms were misplaced.
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