British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has offered what he described as a “wholehearted” apology for attending an illegal party during the country’s lockdown during the COVID-19 crises.
However, he insisted that he did not knowingly break the law because it never occured to him that one of the gatherings, complete with cakes, was a party.
Speaking as the House of Commons on Tuesday, Johnson said he was sorry for the incident which has widely become known as “Partygate.”
“I take this opportunity on the first available sitting day to repeat my wholehearted apology to the House [of Commons]. As soon as I received the notice, I acknowledged the hurt and the anger, and I said that people had a right to expect better of their Prime Minister,” Johnson said. “It did not occur to me then, or subsequently, that a gathering in the Cabinet Room just before a vital meeting on COVID strategy could amount to a breach of the rules. I repeat that was my mistake, and I apologize for it, unreservedly.”
Last week, Johnson was fined 50 pounds ($66) for attending his own surprise birthday party in 10 Downing St. in June 2020, making him the first British prime minister ever found to have broken the law while in office.
Police are still investigating several other parties in government buildings that Johnson is alleged to have attended.
He is also brushing aside calls for resignation because of the matter.
