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Prime Minister Boris Johnson at a press conference on the "Partygate" affair on May 25
Photo: POOL / REUTERS
Just a few days after sharp criticism of the British government in the "Partygate" investigation report, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has weakened the rules of conduct for his cabinet.
Government officials who break the "ministerial code" with ethical guidelines are no longer expected to automatically resign or be fired, the government said in London on Friday.
It was "disproportionate" if they had to lose their jobs for "minor" offenses.
Instead, the prime minister could order some sort of public apology or a temporary salary suspension, it said.
The "Partygate" investigation report blames the political leadership around Johnson for a celebration culture in Downing Street that tolerated illegal lockdown parties.
Johnson had announced that he would take full responsibility, but he ruled out resigning.
A parliamentary committee will soon examine whether the prime minister lied to parliament about the scandal.
According to the Ministerial Code, if a member of the government lies, he or she must resign or be fired.
Johnson blocks independent ethics adviser
In addition, Johnson blocked the possibility of an independent ethics adviser launching its own investigation into the prime minister.
This still requires the approval of the head of government.
"In order to reflect the PM's accountability for the behavior of the executive branch, it is important that the PM retain a role in making decisions about investigations," the statement said.
The Daily Mirror newspaper criticized Johnson for watering down the code of ethics.
Meanwhile, a Tory MP has resigned from the Home Office.
Paul Holmes said Friday he was "shocked and upset" by the investigative report's revelations and condemned "deep mistrust" and the "poisoned culture" in the government.
Holmes previously worked in the role of a so-called Parliamentary Private Secretary as an assistant to Home Secretary Priti Patel.
Holmes said the scandal undermined his work as an MP.
However, the 33-year-old did not call for Johnson's resignation.
Johnson was convinced that he still had broad support in the party.
The 57-year-old didn't want to dwell on "Partygate".
He's already answered all the questions "quite adequately and in detail," Johnson said.
Should 54 of the 359 Tory MPs speak out against the prime minister, there would be an internal vote of no confidence.
According to the PA news agency, there are currently 20 MPs.
ktz/dpa