More bother for Boris as ethics advisor quits over 'odious' orders
The ethics advisor to Britain's scandal-hit Prime Minister Boris Johnson has quit and accused the Conservative government of planning to flout conduct rules, weeks after a separate investigation criticised the UK leader for overseeing a culture of government rule-breaking.
Christopher Geidt stepped down late on Wednesday with a terse statement saying “with regret, I feel that it is right that I am resigning from my post as Independent Adviser on Ministers’ Interests”. Johnson’s office said it was surprised by the decision.
In a resignation letter, which was published on Thursday by the government, Geidt said he was put in an “impossible and odious position” because the government asked him to advise on measures that would “risk a deliberate and purposeful breach of the Ministerial Code" that regulates government conduct.
He did not elaborate but said: “I can have no part in this.”
In response, Johnson indicated the issue concerned tariffs imposed to protect a “crucial industry” which might “be seen to conflict with our obligations" under the World Trade Organization.
The government declined to confirm reports that the industry is steelmaking, citing “commercial sensitivity." Britain has imposed anti-dumping tariffs on Chinese steel to protect its domestic industry and has recently proposed extending them for five more years.
Johnson's spokesman said “no decisions have been taken" on what to do about the tariffs.
Geidt had stayed in his job as Johnson was buffeted by allegations about his judgment and ethics culminating in the “partygate” scandal over parties in government buildings during Britain’s coronavirus lockdowns. Johnson was one of 83 people fined by police, and a civil servant’s report said Johnson and senior officials
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