Johnson’s political future is in the hands of UK Tory MPs

Boris Johnson has weathered the immediate repercussions of becoming the first British prime minister to be punished for breaching the law, but his long-term position remains shaky, according to observers.

After being fined for breaking Covid lockdown restrictions by attending a brief birthday celebration in 2020, the embattled UK leader issued a “full apologies” on Tuesday, defying calls to quit.

The so-called “partygate” issue, on the other hand, shows no signs of abating.

As police investigate many rule-breaking events in Downing Street, Johnson faces more prospective fines, while his ruling Conservatives look certain to be punished in local elections next month.

After the police have completed their investigation, a senior civil servant will provide a full report.