Johnson and Sunak both fined.

[Workingman]

These fines indicate that they broke the law by attending "parties" in 10 Downing St and / or Whitehall during Covid lockdowns.

They both then went to the dispatch box in the Commons to deny such events took place and that they did not attend any of them (things that didn't take place). These statements broke the Ministerial Code of Practice.

So, they broke the law and blatantly lied to parliament (us), but never mind they will get away Scott free as the rules are on their side. Sir Lindsay Hoyle has limited powers.

For breaking the law the Recall of MPs Act 2015 can be enacted, but that can only be done by their constituents - so we can forget that happening.

As for the Ministerial Code; it is operated by the government and it is for the prime minister to decide whether any investigation into potential breaches should take place - convenient eh?

All of those given fixed penalties (fines) should be named and shamed, as were shop owners, cinema managers and snowball fight organisers. Those with class, dignity, honour and respect will (might) resign, so that is something we will not get from Johnson or Sunak. Carrie can't resign (except from being the wife of the PM) because she is not part of government and has no input into policy: does she?

[cromwell]

Imo Johnson will survive (for now) because he is judged to be doing well on the Ukraine.
What will do for the Tories is the cost of living crisis. The latest that the next general election can be held is December 2024 and by then the Dover dinghy shower, inflation, rising prices and a general feeling of "It's time the other lot had a go" will probably see Labour win.

[Suff]

Probably Cromwell.

Then we'll get to see a whole new shower break ministerial code, preach to us whilst going against what they preach and playing constant games with both the economy and our relationship with other countries.

Just so you can feel the same level of hopelessness I see here in France today over the Presidential election. Their choice is no choice. Most don't want either but one will win and the one who wins will act as if they were wanted.

[Workingman]

I am not that bothered about the next general election at this stage. That will unfold how it will unfold at the given time.

I am bothered that two people who have broken criminal law, and blatantly and repeatedly lied about it, can remain as numbers one and two in government and there is nothing anybody can do about it.

The system needs changing: a complete overhaul. The first sitting PM and chancellor to have broken the law.

[cromwell]

Yes he should go but no he won't .
People have been fined lots of money for keeping their businesses open during lockdown, they shouldn't pay the fines.

[TheOstrich]

Yes he should go but no he won't .

Precisely, but given that there's a total madman on the loose just over the Eastern European border, what we don't need is a lengthy bout of political instability in this country, which is what would happen if Johnson went.

Similarly over the Channel. The French would be off their heads if they didn't vote Macron back in.

In both cases, I think it's called the "least worse option".

[Suff]

The first sitting PM and chancellor to have broken the law.

I would have said the first time they have been investigated and fined. I doubt Very much that they are the first to do it. Just the first to be fined.

[TheOstrich]

Just the first to have been caught, the cynic in me says .....

[Workingman]

First to be investigated or caught matters not - first to be fined and proved to have broken the law is what matters.

As is getting and keeping power...

To fulfil this mission, [Brexit] and win back the trust of the British people, we must
uphold the very highest standards of propriety – and this code sets out how
we must do so.

There must be no bullying and no harassment; no leaking; no breach of
collective responsibility. No misuse of taxpayer money and no actual or
perceived conflicts of interest. The precious principles of public life enshrined
in this document – integrity, objectivity, accountability, transparency, honesty
and leadership in the public interest – must be honoured at all times; as must
the political impartiality of our much admired civil service.

© Boris Johnson: Ministerial Code, 23 Aug 2019.

Every single word and phrase now broken. Some fools fell for it.

As for the law I think I will go with the judge interviewed on Sky who told us that failure to pay the fine (FPN), or to appeal and be found guilty, will result in a further fine (unlimited) and / or a prison sentence and a criminal record.

Johnson and Sunak are criminals, just without it on their files.

[Suff]

I don't disagree, trust has been lost and will be nigh on impossible to recover.

What has changed imho is that these investigations normally happen "after" leaving power and then usually die a death from lack of press oxygen.

Although in France we've had at least one ex president convicted of "offenses" when in office, once he had left office. Same with PM's in Italy. Berlusconi comes to mind.

In Britain we would have quietly swept it under the carpet and then crushed the offender's political career thereafter. It appears we continue to become more "European", although with our own flavour. I.e. we are harsher in implementation, like implementing in office. Yet in such a way as the PM can even become "a man of the people" by paying up his fine and "getting on with it".

There is a much more sinister thread here. The #10 area is considered "secret" in terms of documents, photo's and surveillance video. Releasing it, leak or not, is Treason with a capital T.

You want some criminals, then go after the real criminals. No? Thought not.

This is a press roadshow, driven by a civil service who want to get back into the EU. Thus using every method they can, including treason, in order to force out a government who might just have a chance of making Brexit work. Something they are implacably against and will do anything and crush anyone, plus the economy, to achieve.

Yes, you say, if they had done nothing wrong then they would not have anything to atone for. This is very true. But it is but the top ice crystal on the tip of the iceberg of politics between the government and the civil service right now. Something the press have no interest in looking at, let alone talking about. Oh and quite a few Tory MP's who will happily aid and abet the civil service in this.

Hence I have no interest, I ignore every single article on it and it will not change my opinion or voting intention (although I won't be voting).