While having three Prime Ministers in three months may sound absurd, British politics has remained eventful recently. There have been many scandals, conflicts, and competency issues in British politics. For individuals who are struggling with the cost of living and a vulnerable economy what we witness in British politics is not amusing.
British politics has been quite eventful in recent times. Scandals, controversies and questions over competence – a great deal has happened. What we have witnessed recently is unprecedented within British politics. Three Prime Ministers in the span of three months sounds like a circus. Except it is no laughing matter for people that are struggling under the cost-of-living crisis.
It all started under Boris Johnson’s leadership after lies and deception came to light. There were a number of controversies during his time as Prime Minister, and he somehow managed to cling to power. However, ‘party gate’ and the Chris Pincher scandal led to his downfall.
Johnson approved an independent investigation into allegations that lockdown rules were broken after he and others attended parties at a time when the public were abiding by the rules, during the peak of the pandemic.
In April, he was fined for breaking lockdown rules by attending a party in March 2020 held for his birthday, making him the first Prime Minister found to have broken the law while in office. This angered the public, who did not celebrate milestones with loved ones due to strict lockdown rules. Despite public outrage, Johnson survived.
But it was Boris Johnson’s handling of the groping scandal involving deputy chief whip. Chris Pincher, that finally pushed him out of Downing Street. The MP resigned after allegations of assault against two men at Carlton Club. Downing Street initially denied that Johnson was aware of specific allegations, which later turned out to be untrue.
The scandal was incredibly damaging for Johnson, who had no choice but to apologise. But this was one scandal too many for the Prime Minister, and ministers began to resign, including Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Sajid Javid. After losing support of his MPs and with little confidence in his leadership, Boris Johnson announced his resignation on July the 7th, 2022.
Johnson was succeeded by Liz Truss, becoming the third female to serve as Prime Minister, and the third from the Conservative party. But with the country facing huge challenges, Truss found herself struggling to steady the ship. The UK needed strong leadership to stabilise the situation and restore confidence in the government. But her policies proved disastrous, including the mini budget debacle.
Party members were beginning to lose confidence in Truss. Her disastrous time as Prime Minister came to an end after just 44 days in office. Truss was replaced with former Chancellor Rishi Sunak, becoming the first ever Prime Minister of colour. Sunak was considered the obvious choice to take up the position. But it is interesting to note that Sunak was also fined over party gate scandal, along with Boris Johnson.
Although Sunak was always favourite to take over, there were people within the party, Boris supporters in particular, that viewed Sunak as an opportunist, who backstabbed Boris by resigning. And there are still Conservatives that do not see Rishi Sunak as the right person to take the party into an election and emerge victorious.
There were calls for an election, although this was advocated mostly by Labour and its supporters. Many of those advocating for an election argued that it was undemocratic for a third Prime Minister to be chosen on the public’s behalf, and that they should have the right to decide who leads the country.
The new Prime Minister faced criticism over some of his cabinet choice. Sunak reappointed anti-immigrant hardliner Suella Braverman as Home Secretary, despite having to resign under Truss’s administration for breaching the ministerial code. Braverman sent official government documents to her personal email account, on six occasions.
Those in government should be held to a higher standard and reappointing Braverman just days after her resignation over a serious breach not only shows a lack of respect for the ministerial position, it also reflects poorly on Rishi Sunak’s judgement.
Another questionable appointment is Dominic Raab as Justice secretary. Raab, who is also deputy Prime Minister, faces allegations of bullying towards his staff. Downing Street confirmed that a lawyer would be investigating two complaints about Dominic Raab. But the Prime Minister recently asked for the investigation to be expanded to include a third formal complaint. However, Downing Street has also said that the Justice secretary has the Prime Minister’s full confidence.
Although an investigation is taking place, there are doubts over whether proper action will be taken if the allegations against Raab are proven true. Raab is a close ally of the Prime Minister, and there are concerns over the possibility of it all being swept under the carpet. If Braverman can return despite a serious breach of the ministerial code, it is very much possible that Raab stays on. But time will tell.
It is also widely believed that some of Sunak’s appointments are rewards for backing him for the role of Prime Minister over Boris Johnson, who attempted to stage a comeback. This, however, is nothing new to politics.
Another criticism of Sunak’s cabinet is that it is simply the return of old faces. One would think the new Prime Minister would want to take his party forward by wiping the slate clean. Instead, he has chosen to opt for a recycled formula. Eyebrows have risen even within the party over Sunak’s judgement.
The Prime Minister’s use of a private GP practice that guarantees same say appointments has also become a point of discussion. Critics argue that this shows the Prime Minister’s lack of faith in the NHS, which does not send a good message to the public. Most of the public cannot afford private healthcare and rely on the NHS.
Criticism and questions aside, Rishi Sunak has his hands full with the huge challenges facing the UK right now. The cost-of-living crisis is taking its toll on households across the country. More people are turning to food banks and charities for basic essentials, and some are even having to take up two jobs during these difficult times.
People are struggling to pay their bills and many households will not be turning on their heating during cold winter days because they cannot afford to pay for it. Rishi Sunak and his team have a lot to deal with and it is not an enviable position. For now, all eyes are on the country’s third Prime Minister in three months to deliver.
