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British ex-Prime Minister Sir John Major
Photo: PETER NICHOLLS / REUTERS
Former British Conservative Prime Minister Sir John Major has slammed the current office holder, Conservative Boris Johnson, over the lockdown party scandal.
Johnson and his officers "broke laws" at Downing Street, Major said.
He denounced the government's teaching of "not having to play by the rules," adding, "blatant lies breed contempt." The government declined to comment on Major's criticism.
A spokesman said: "Everyone is free to express their opinions."
Johnson with open champagne bottle
A picture of Johnson with an open bottle of champagne near an alleged lockdown party is currently putting further pressure on the head of government.
The Daily Mirror newspaper published the photo on Wednesday, which is said to show Johnson with three employees in Downing Street.
The fact that the event took place on December 15, 2020 - apparently a partially virtual Christmas quiz - was already known in principle.
At that time, strict distance rules applied in Great Britain, members of other households were not allowed to meet in closed rooms.
The police are investigating twelve events, but not in this case so far.
In Parliament, Johnson rejected allegations by the opposition.
When asked, he said the event had already been made known to the police.
Labor MP Fabian Hamilton sneered that it was 'one of those Christmas parties that (the PM) told us never happened'.
Johnson has apologized for pictures of parties, but has not acknowledged celebrations.
He thought it was a work meeting.
The Prime Minister is under considerable pressure because of the "Partygate" affair.
There is also great criticism within the party, and several MPs are calling for his resignation.
Joining them on Wednesday was businessman John Armitage, who has donated a total of £3m to the Tories.
Political leaders should step down when they have lost their moral authority, Armitage told the BBC.
til/dpa
