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Boris Johnson in the House of Commons: the Prime Minister is currently causing a lot of criticism
Photo: UK Parliament;
Jessica Taylor / dpa
Less than two weeks ago, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson narrowly survived a no-confidence vote – now he has to accept the resignation of his adviser on the ministerial code of conduct.
Christopher Geidt said it felt right to resign from his post.
He gave no further justification, but the resignation is seen as a sign that Geidt no longer considers the behavior of the prime minister to be compatible with his office.
The position is considered independent and is intended to ensure that the government complies with the standards of behavior it has set itself.
However, the advisor can only act on the instructions of the prime minister.
Geidt is already Johnson's second advisor on integrity issues.
His predecessor resigned in 2020 after Johnson ignored a report on allegations of bullying against Home Secretary Priti Patel.
In the affair about the financing of the luxury conversion in his official apartment, Geidt Johnson had certified that he had not violated the code.
It was a similar story with Johnson on a luxury vacation on the private Caribbean island of Mustique.
In the Partygate affair about illegal lockdown parties in Downing Street, Johnson had not requested an investigation by his adviser.
The prime minister had received a court order from the police for attending one of the meetings.
It is considered likely that Geidt Johnson would otherwise have attested a violation - and that would have been a reason for resignation.
ani/dpa