U.K. PM Boris Johnson’s ethics chief resigns in wake of partygate

Lord Christopher Geidt’s resignation statement does not specify a reason for his departure and Downing Street is yet to elaborate on that

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s independent ethics adviser has resigned from his post as Independent Adviser on Ministers’ Interests in the wake of the partygate scandal of COVID-19 lockdown-breaching parties at Downing Street.

Lord Christopher Geidt, the Independent Adviser on Ministers’ Interests who reported directly to the Prime Minister in an advisory capacity, handed in his resignation to Mr. Johnson on June 15 evening. His resignation statement does not specify a reason for his departure and Downing Street is yet to elaborate on that.

“With regret, I feel that it is right that I am resigning from my post as Independent Adviser on Ministers’ Interests,” Mr. Geidt said in a brief statement.

The resignation has taken Downing Street by surprise and follows the 2020 exit of Sir Alex Allan, his predecessor in the role, and the resignation of the British Prime Minister’s anti-corruption champion, John Penrose, last week.

“Whilst we are disappointed, we thank Lord Geidt for his public service,” a government spokesperson said.

According to reports, Mr. Geidt had been asked to provide advice on a “commercially sensitive matter in the national interest”, which previously had cross-party support.

“No decision had been taken pending that advice,” the government spokesperson added.