Embattled United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson has apologised amid multiple calls to resign after admitting spending 25 minutes at a 'bring your own booze' party in his Downing Street offices at the height of the UK's first COVID-19 lockdown. Photo: Getty Images

Opposition leader Sir Keir R. Starmer made reference to seven other parties that are alleged to have taken place at Downing Street during the UK's various lockdown periods. Photo: politico.com

The gathering, which was first revealed by ITV News on Monday, January 10, 2022, took place in the garden of Johnson's Downing Street offices in central London on May 20, 2020. At the time people in England were restricted to meeting just one person in an outdoor setting, with many unable to visit sick or dying loved ones as a result.

Weak apology

Speaking in front of an angry British Parliament on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, Johnson, 57, repeatedly apologised for attending, saying that he "believed implicitly that this was a work event" to "thank groups of staff" for their hard work on the UK government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"With hindsight I should have sent everyone back inside," Johnson added. "I should have found some other way to thank them, and I should have recognised that — even if it could have been said technically to fall within the guidance — there would be millions and millions of people who simply would not see it that way."

Still, the prime minister stopped short of explicitly admitting to having broken any regulations.

8 separate calls for PM's resignation

In response, opposition leader Sir Keir R. Starmer made reference to seven other parties that are alleged to have taken place at Downing Street during the UK's various lockdown periods. These events are now the subject of a formal inquiry headed by senior civil servant Sue Gray, who is expected to file her report in the next couple of weeks.

In all, Johnson faced eight separate calls to resign by opposition MPs on Wednesday. He repeatedly responded that Parliament should wait to see the findings of Sue Gray's report before any judgment is passed on his administration's behaviour.

Until then, Johnson will have to rely on the support of MPs within his own Conservative party to continue as political leader of the United Kingdom.

Internal party rules dictate that if 54 MPs submit official letters of no confidence to a group of backbench leaders known as the 1922 committee, then a leadership election will begin – although Johnson will be allowed to fight to remain as party leader.

Johnson's admission may also impact on the work of London police, who were already looking into the rule-breaking prior to the Prime Minister's words in Parliament.