As he prepares for his goodbye party at Chequers, a country house with an indoor swimming pool and thousands of acres, the prime minister is not attending an emergency COBRA meeting over the heatwave national emergency.
Boris Johnson will host his goodbye party at the prime minister’s rural house this weekend.
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.
“The offer was extended by Mr. and Mrs. Johnson.
“This weekend is their farewell party at Chequers. Both spouses and children are welcome.”
Angela Rayner, the deputy leader of the Labour Party, accused Mr. Johnson of “disappearing once more” as he “prepares to party while Britain boils.”
Mr. Johnson will not join this afternoon’s emergency COBRA meeting on the reaction to the current heatwave, which has been designated a national emergency, according to Downing Street.
Kit Malthouse, chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, will preside over the meeting, while Mr. Johnson’s participation in COBRA sessions will depend on a “case-by-case” basis.
Ms. Rayner said: “Boris Johnson is once again missing in action. He has resumed his habit of skipping crucial COBRA meetings.
“Where is the strategy for delivering basic services and keeping people safe at work, on public transportation, in schools, hospitals, and care facilities?
“As this discredited prime minister prepares to party while Britain boils, the public will have no faith in this zombie Conservative government’s ability to respond fast and effectively to this national disaster.
“If he still can’t handle the responsibilities of the job, he should resign immediately.”
‘Not relevant’
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 the event is private, and no public funds are being utilized to sponsor it at the grace and favor estate.
Chequers has been the official country house of British prime ministers since 1921 when Sir Arthur Lee donated the land 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.
Mr. Johnson and his wife, Carrie, had planned to host their delayed wedding celebration there after being married during COVID limitations.
The couple was rumored to have planned a party to celebrate their wedding this month, but after his departure, the plans to have the party at Chequers drew harsh criticism.
Ms. Rayner had indicated that Mr. Johnson was only remaining in office after resigning because he desires “a wedding party at Chequers.”
Last week, No. 10 rejected this allegation and stated that they have since changed the location of their wedding reception.
The farewell celebration for Mr. Johnson is taking place as the Conservative leadership election continues with five remaining candidates.
By the end of next 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.
