Martin Ivens, Columnist

Boris Johnson’s Fate Depends on Three Factors Now

The prime minister is adamant that ‘Partygate’ was an accidental mess, and he intends to fight on.

January 14, 2022 at 6:00 AM UTC

Martin Ivens is the editor of the Times Literary Supplement. Previously, he was editor of the Sunday Times of London and its chief political commentator.

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Photographer: Anadolu Agency/Anadolu

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Boris Johnson is the Harry Houdini of British politics, blustering his way through scandals about fibs, finances and a colorful love life that would have sunk most other British politicians.

On Wednesday, he embarked upon his most dangerous feat of escapology yet. The prime minister is accused of whooping it up in a garden party at his No. 10 Downing Street office while the rest of the country was locked down for the common good to halt the Covid pandemic.