Four of Boris Johnson’s advisers resigned in the United Kingdom when he tried to retain his leadership

by Michael Holden and Kylie McClellan

LONDON, Feb 3 (Reuters) – Four close aides of Boris Johnson resigned on Thursday in a turbulent day for his government, as the British prime minister sought to strengthen his administration after a series of scandals that led to His position was in danger.

Johnson’s leadership is facing a growing crisis in the wake of anger over a series of parties held at his office and Downing Street residence during the coronavirus lockdown, which followed other missteps.

Angry MPs from his own Conservative Party, some of whom have already called for his resignation, have called for change in Downing Street if he wants to remain in power.

On Thursday, three of his top advisers – Chief of Staff Dan Rosenfield, Chief Private Secretary Martin Reynolds and Communications Director Jack Doyle – resigned in what some Conservative lawmakers said looked like the start of a somewhat disorderly government overhaul. Had been.

However, Fourth resigned in anger over criticism from Johnson, the leader of Labour, the main opposition party, for which he was also rebuked by his Chancellor of the Exchequer.

MP Stuart Anderson, one of Johnson’s supporters involved in the protests, said on Twitter: “On Monday, Boris Johnson promised to change lawmakers. Tonight we see that change has started to happen and I am Prime Minister.” Appreciate this prompt action by him.” To appreciate the change.

Johnson vowed to change his leadership style after a report by senior civil servant Sue Gray at meetings held at the Downing Street office and residence denounced “serious leadership failures”.

Rosenfield, Reynolds and Doyle were directly involved in the meetings: Reynolds sent an email asking attendees to “bring their own drink” to one of them.

Johnson’s office said Rosenfield and Reynolds would remain in their positions for the time being.

It remains to be seen whether cleaning up Johnson’s team will be enough to see him through the crisis, as his personal ratings have plummeted and his party lags far behind Labor in opinion polls.

(Reporting by Elizabeth Piper, Alistair Smout, Michael Holden and Kylie McClellan Edited in Spanish by Javier López de Lerida)