Labour has demanded that Prime Minister Boris Johnson “show up for work” after he missed two COBRA meetings during the heatwave and is expected to miss the third briefing today.
Lisa Nandy, shadow secretary for communities, stated that the prime minister has “obviously clocked off” since announcing his resignation, adding, “And so have a number of his ministers in his administration.”
The Labour minister responded that all members of the government should “show up for work” when asked what more ministers might do to assist the public in the next 48 hours when the country is expected to experience extreme heat.
She also suggested appointing a minister whose sole responsibility would be to coordinate emergency responses to occurrences of this nature.
Mr. Johnson skipped the second COBRA meeting on the heatwave on Saturday, which was chaired by Kit Malthouse, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.
This week, formal invitations were sent out for the event being held at Chequers, the official country seat of British prime ministers located in Buckinghamshire.
A Tory insider told, “Mr. and Mrs. Johnson extended the offer.”
This weekend is their goodbye party at Chequers. Partners and children are encouraged to attend.”
The White House has announced that the prime minister will not attend a COBRA meeting on the heatwave, which has been designated a national emergency, on Monday.
A source at Number 10 stated that Mr. Johnson had been in contact with appropriate ministers throughout the weekend.
Angela Rayner, the deputy leader of the Labour Party, accused Mr. Johnson of “disappearing once more” as he “prepares to party while Britain boils.”
Ms. Rayner stated, “Boris Johnson is once again missing in action. He has resumed his habit of skipping critical COBRA meetings.
However, when questioned about Mr. Johnson’s absence this morning, Mr. Malthouse supported the Prime Minister and stated that he is “well apprised” of the situation.
“I am responsible for chairing COBRA meetings. I informed him yesterday morning at about 8 a.m.”
Mr. Malthouse was next shown an aerial film of Mr. Johnson entertaining visitors on Sunday at Chequers.
He responded that it was “absolutely unfair” to assume that the Prime Minister was avoiding critical meetings due to his impending departure.
Regarding Mr. Johnson’s farewell party, a spokesperson for Number 10 stated, “Since this is irrelevant to government business, there is nothing more to say.
It is believed that no taxpayer funds were utilized to sponsor the event, which took place at the grace and favor estate.
Chequers has been the official country residence of British prime ministers since 1921 when Sir Arthur Lee donated the estate to the British government.
The Chequers Trust owns the Grade I 16th-century mansion, which features an indoor swimming pool and hundreds of acres of gardens.
The farewell celebration for Mr. Johnson took place as the Conservative leadership election continued with five candidates remaining.
By the end of this week, they will be reduced to two candidates, who will then participate in summer hustings before Conservative Party members vote on Mr. Johnson’s replacement on September 5.
