Starmer: Boris Johnson should offer Buckingham Palace his resignation

Sir Keir Starmer says the Conservatives 'have let Britain down'

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer says Boris Johnson has "degraded the office of Prime Minister" and must do the "decent thing and resign", after Downing Street on Friday issued an apology to the Queen over two parties held on the eve of Prince Philip's funeral. The prime minister's spokesperson said it was "deeply regrettable that this took place at a time of national mourning". Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing several calls to resign, including from within his own party,  having admitted to attending a large garden party at No10 in May 2020. Between 30 and 40 people are understood to have attended the drinks gathering, after an email circulated from the Prime Minister's Principal Private Secretary invited staff to bring alcohol and “make the most of the lovely weather”. Responding to Downing Street’s apology to Buckingham Palace on Friday afternoon, Starmer said: “This shows just how seriously Boris Johnson has degraded the office of Prime Minister.

"The Conservatives have let Britain down.

"An apology isn’t the only thing the Prime Minister should be offering the Palace today. Boris Johnson should do the decent thing and resign.”

Earlier on Friday, former Director of Communications James Slack apologised "unreservedly" for one of the parties on 16 April 2021. The now deputy editor of The Sun said he was "deeply sorry" and took "full responsibility” for the event.

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