Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has issued an apology following a fiery dispute over his alleged ‘alcohol-fuelled social gatherings’ during lockdown. The controversy was discussed in depth on Steven Bartlett’s Diary of a CEO podcast, where the BBC Dragons’ Den star grilled the former Tory leader. They touched on a range of subjects, including Johnson’s assertion that coronavirus was ‘accidentally’ created in Chinese labs, whether he is related to ‘trusted advisor’ Charlotte Owen, and the precise number of children he has – which he claims is eight.
This comes as the ex-MP has recently published a new memoir. The book is called Unleashed, delving into his time in Westminster, covering everything from Brexit to Covid, reports the Express. Boris Johnson served as PM from 2019 to 2022, leading through three of the biggest crises of the last century, making him one of the most controversial characters in the history of the UK. Reflecting on the 2020-2021 pandemic in the UK, Bartlett didn’t shy away from questioning Johnson about what truly transpired behind the doors of 10 Downing Street.
As their discussion began, Bartlett reminded Johnson of the harsh realities of life in the UK during lockdowns, when Brits were unable to visit family and friends due to isolation and social distancing measures. These restrictions meant many people couldn’t visit loved ones in hospitals and care homes or even attend funerals. Johnson expressed his regret, acknowledging his mishandling of the situation and understanding why people were enraged.
The debate heated up as they argued over the particular ‘event’ for which Johnson received a £50 fine from the police. Bartlett confronted him with evidence of alleged parties during the Partygate timeframe, including a picture of Johnson enjoying cheese and wine. Johnson defended his actions, denying the existence of a party and clarifying the circumstances of the fine.
Bartlett stressed the importance of ‘leading by example’ and Johnson responded, questioning whether he was deliberately breaking the rules. The BBC presenter expressed frustration at Johnson’s actions, highlighting the emotional impact on those unable to attend important events due to restrictions. Johnson later admitted to mistakes and apologised for any rules broken during his tenure.
The discussion showcased the tension between accountability and leadership during a challenging time for the UK. Johnson’s responses to Bartlett’s probing questions offer insights into his perspective on the Partygate controversy and his role in navigating the pandemic. The former PM’s willingness to engage in a candid discussion reflects a broader conversation around transparency and responsibility in political leadership.