Boris survives vote of no confidence. Can leaders be rule breakers?

The prime minister won the support of 211 Conservative MPs, which is technically a win. However 148 rebel MPs voted against him, citing the partygate scandal and the public’s loss of trust in his leadership. 

 

The vote of no confidence follows the publication of the Sue Gray report which concluded that there was a failure of leadership and judgment in 10 Downing Street. 

 

While the public were obeying strict lockdown rules, some officials were drinking excessively, to the point that one member of staff vomited and a fight broke out. In total, 126 fines were issued to 83 people, including our own prime minister. 

 

Recent events highlight the importance of having strong leadership in place, both in politics and in business. As we’ve seen, junior members of staff follow the examples set by their leaders. 

 

Leaders should act as role models, and core values of professionalism, respect and acting ethically should be ingrained from the top down. 

 

Is it acceptable for leaders to break the rules that they themselves have set?