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Johnson, who was looking increasingly isolated, used a weekly
question-and-answer session in parliament to try to tough it
out, repeating his justifications for the latest scandal that
triggered resignations from his government.
Earlier, he tried to reassert his authority by quickly
appointing Nadhim Zahawi, a rising star in the Conservative
Party widely credited for the successful rollout of COVID-19
vaccines, as finance minister.
But his performance at prime minister's questions was met with a
muted response and, on occasion, open laughter. One member of
Johnson's own party asked if there would be any circumstances in
which he should resign?
He responded that he would only quit if the government could not
carry on.
Even some of his own colleagues in his cabinet of top ministers
struggled to contain their laughter as the main opposition
Labour leader poked fun at his cabinet for being the "the
lightweight brigade".
"When times are tough ... is exactly the moment that you'd
expect the government to continue with its work, not to walk
away ... to get on with our job and to focus on the things that
matter to the people of this country," Johnson told parliament.
(Additional reporting by the London bureau, Writing by Michael
Holden and Kate Holton)
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