Boris Johnson resigns from parliament citing 'witch hunt'
Johnson’s tenure as Prime Minister was cut short, partially due to public outrage within his own party and across the UK regarding Covid lockdown parties
Former Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, made a sudden decision to resign as a member of parliament on Friday (09).
His departure came as a strong and passionate protest against the lawmakers who were conducting an investigation into his conduct, reigniting deep divisions within the ruling Conservative Party just before the anticipated general election next year.
Johnson had been the subject of scrutiny by a parliamentary inquiry that aimed to determine whether he had provided misleading information to the House of Commons regarding parties held in Downing Street that violated Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.
Upon receiving a confidential letter from the committee, Johnson publicly accused the investigating lawmakers of resembling a "kangaroo court" and having a clear intention to bring an end to his political career.
Accusing the committee of mounting a "political hit job", Johnson said in a statement: "I am being forced out by a tiny handful of people, with no evidence to back up their assertions."
The privileges committee of Parliament, which serves as the primary disciplinary body for lawmakers, held the authority to recommend the suspension of Johnson from his parliamentary duties.
In the event that the suspension lasted longer than 10 days, voters in his constituency could have demanded he stood for re-election to continue as their representative.
While departing from parliament, Johnson alluded to the possibility of a return to politics, indicating that his departure was temporary.
However, this resignation may mark the conclusion of his 22-year political career, during which he progressed from a member of parliament to the mayor of London, ultimately gaining prominence and influencing the outcome of the 2016 European Union referendum in favour of Brexit.
Johnson's tenure as Prime Minister was cut short, partially due to public outrage within his own party and across the UK regarding lockdown parties held in his Downing Street office and residence, which violated Covid-19 restrictions.
Despite these allegations, Johnson maintained that the privileges committee had not found "a shred of evidence" against him.
"I am not alone in thinking that a witch hunt is underway to take revenge for Brexit and ultimately to reverse the 2016 referendum result," he said. "My removal is the necessary first step, and I believe there has been a concerted attempt to bring it about."
The investigation is being led by a prominent lawmaker from the Labour Party, serving as the chair of the committee. However, the majority of the lawmakers on the committee are affiliated with the Conservative Party.
The committee has announced that it will convene on Monday to bring its inquiry to a close and intends to release its report in the near future.
A spokesperson for the committee expressed disapproval of Johnson's resignation statement, stating that it had cast doubt on the integrity of parliament as a whole.
Attack on Sunak
As a consequence of Johnson's resignation, a by-election will be initiated for his constituency in west London.
This marks the second by-election in a single day for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, as Nadine Dorries, an ally of Johnson, also declared her intention to step down from her position.
Angela Rayner, deputy leader of the Labour Party, said: "The British public are sick to the back teeth of this never-ending Tory soap opera played out at their expense."
Nearly four years ago, Johnson assumed power with the pledge to successfully execute Brexit and alleviate the contentious divisions that arose after the 2016 referendum.
Despite apprehensions expressed by certain fellow Conservatives about his narcissism, lack of attention to detail, and a reputation for dishonesty, Johnson brushed off these concerns and forged ahead.
While some Conservatives ardently endorsed the former journalist, others, despite their reservations, rallied behind him because he was able to appeal to parts of the electorate that usually rejected their party.
This was evident during the December 2019 election, where Johnson's ability to resonate with a broader range of voters became apparent.
However, the confrontational and frequently chaotic governing style of his administration, along with a series of scandals, gradually eroded the support of many of his fellow lawmakers.
Recent opinion polls indicate that Johnson's popularity among the general public has significantly diminished.
In his resignation statement on Friday, Johnson utilised the opportunity to launch a critique of Sunak's premiership, holding him partially responsible for the downfall of his government.
Despite having collaborated closely during the pandemic, a feud emerged between the two individuals after Sunak resigned as finance minister last summer in protest against Johnson's leadership.
"When I left office last year the government was only a handful of points behind in the polls. That gap has now massively widened," he said.
"Our party needs urgently to recapture its sense of momentum and its belief in what this country can do."
Rockstar Games has taken swift action against a GTA Online player who streamed unreleased content from the upcoming Money Fronts update using a jailbroken PlayStation 5. The player was removed from an online session in real-time by a Rockstar administrator, reinforcing the studio’s zero-tolerance stance on leaks and unauthorised access.
Player ejected during livestream
During the livestream, the user was showcasing content from the Money Fronts downloadable content (DLC), which is officially due for release on 17 June 2025. Midway through the broadcast, the stream was interrupted with an on-screen message that read:
"You have been kicked from this session by a Rockstar Games administrator."
The footage of the removal quickly circulated on social media, drawing attention from both fans and modders. Viewers noted that the player was accessing the content through a modified PS5 system, exploiting preloaded update files made available ahead of the launch.
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Jailbroken console used to access preloaded files
As part of standard procedure, Rockstar Games preloaded the Money Fronts update on servers in advance of the public launch to manage server strain. However, some users with jailbroken consoles were able to bypass restrictions and unlock parts of the content prematurely.
This particular streamer not only accessed the content but also chose to broadcast it publicly, which likely triggered the quick intervention by Rockstar staff monitoring such activity. Jailbreaking a PS5 is a breach of Sony’s terms of service, and combining that with unauthorised access to unreleased game data raises significant legal and ethical concerns.
Rockstar’s enforcement stance
Rockstar Games has long maintained a strict policy against hacking, cheating, and leaking within its community. Following high-profile leaks of GTA VI in 2022 and previous GTA Online updates, the company has intensified efforts to prevent similar incidents.
The publisher views such violations seriously and often takes disciplinary action ranging from game bans to legal notices. Parent company Take-Two Interactive has also actively pursued legal action against modders and leakers in the past.
Warning to the community
This latest incident serves as a reminder to players ahead of the official Money Fronts DLC launch. Rockstar is actively monitoring its online platforms and is prepared to act against those who access or distribute content ahead of schedule via unofficial means.
With anticipation building for the new expansion, the developer has made it clear: unauthorised early access will not be tolerated.
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Simone Ashley appears without dialogue in Brad Pitt’s F1 after major cuts to her role
Simone Ashley, best known for her breakout role in Bridgerton, won’t have the screen time fans expected in Brad Pitt’s upcoming Formula 1 film F1. Despite being part of the film’s promotional buzz and having filmed scenes alongside the main cast, Ashley’s role was trimmed down to a blink-and-miss appearance with no dialogue.
Director Joseph Kosinski confirmed the change, stating that the edit came down to tough decisions made during the final cut. Speaking in an interview, he said, “Every movie has more content than it can use. We had to drop two or three storylines for pacing. Unfortunately, Simone’s was one of them.”
Director praises Ashley but fans question repeated sidelining of actors of colour
Kosinski was quick to express admiration for Ashley, calling her “an incredible talent, actress, and singer” and adding, “I’d love to work with her again.” Still, the move has reignited conversations around how actors of colour are often given prominent placement during production and marketing, only to be cut back when the film is finalised.
Ashley has not directly commented on the cut since previews began, but earlier this year, she acknowledged that her role was “very small.” She said, “I’m just grateful to be in that movie. I got to experience many Grands Prix. I don’t think I’ll ever do anything like that again.” She also shared that the filming process felt like live theatre, given how tight and chaotic the schedule was while shooting during actual races.
Director Joseph Kosinski says Ashley’s storyline was cut for pacing and time constraintsGetty Images
The incident has drawn comparisons to Filipino-Canadian actor Manny Jacinto’s reduced screen time in Top Gun: Maverick, also directed by Kosinski. Jacinto’s part was heavily promoted but eventually cut down to a wordless cameo. Critics have noted a troubling pattern where actors of colour are regularly used for marketing but sidelined in final edits.
While F1 continues to generate buzz ahead of its 27 June release, Ashley’s reduced role can be seen as emblematic of the industry’s ongoing issues with representation and why more inclusive stories need to come from within.
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Social media users quickly pointed out that large portions of the statement
Air India has come under fresh scrutiny following the deadly crash of Flight AI171 in Ahmedabad on 12 June 2025, which claimed more than 270 lives. This time, controversy surrounds the airline’s chief executive, Campbell Wilson, who is facing allegations of plagiarism over the phrasing used in his speech following the tragedy.
Speech similarity sparks online backlash
Two days after the crash, Air India released a video of Wilson expressing condolences and detailing the airline’s response. However, social media users quickly pointed out that large portions of the statement closely resembled remarks made by American Airlines CEO Robert Isom after a separate fatal mid-air incident in the US earlier this year.
“This is a difficult day for all of us here in India. Our focus is entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew, and their loved ones… We are actively working with the authorities on all emergency response efforts.”
These phrases mirrored those used by Isom following the 30 January 2025 collision between a passenger jet and a military helicopter over Washington, DC. Online commentators posted side-by-side comparisons of the two speeches, highlighting word-for-word overlaps, including references to “emergency response efforts” and “working with authorities.”
Standardised language or unoriginal content?
The similarity triggered debate on social media, with some accusing Wilson of copying or using AI-generated templates. Others dismissed the criticism, suggesting that such statements often follow a familiar script during crises. “This seems like an SOP playbook response more than plagiarism,” one user commented. Another added, “There are bigger things to question Air India on.”
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Prominent industrialist Harsh Goenka also responded to the viral posts, calling the comparison “a good perspective” without taking a clear side.
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The airline has not publicly addressed the plagiarism allegations.
Context: India’s deadliest air disaster in decades
The controversy follows one of India’s worst aviation disasters in decades. Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft struck a government hospital hostel, killing 241 passengers and crew on board and at least 29 people on the ground. One passenger, a British national, survived with serious injuries.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) working alongside British and American agencies. The aircraft’s black box was recovered days after the incident.
In response to the crash, Air India has scaled back Dreamliner operations by 15% and cancelled several international flights. The airline is also facing questions over maintenance protocols and safety oversight.
Crisis communication under the spotlight
While the debate over Wilson’s speech continues, communication experts note that statements made during public tragedies often rely on structured, empathetic language. Whether Air India’s CEO used common phrasing or copied directly remains unclear, but the incident has brought renewed focus on the airline’s crisis management, both operationally and publicly.
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Debris of Air India flight 171 is pictured after it crashed in a residential area near the airport in Ahmedabad on June 13, 2025.
A MINUTE of silence will be observed in Leicester on Sunday, June 22, to remember those who died in the recent Air India crash. The silence will take place during the inauguration of the annual Rathayatra festival of chariots in the city centre.
Organisers from the International Society for Krishna Consciousness confirmed the silence will be held at 11.20am, followed by traditional Hindu performances from Gujarat at Gallowtree Gate, outside Sports Direct.
The society’s president, Pradyumna Das, told Leicester Mercury: "Though a joyous occasion, this year's festival is marred by the tragic loss of so many lives in the plane crash, impacting families here in Leicester. Today we pray for the departed in hope for their reunion with the Supreme Lord."
The Air India flight crashed shortly after take-off in Ahmedabad on Thursday, June 12. Of the 242 people on board, only one survived – Leicester man Viswash Kumar Ramesh. Among the dead were 53 British nationals, including several from Leicester.
The welcome ceremony for the festival starts at 9am. The chariot procession will begin after the inauguration and reach Cossington Park at 2.30pm for a free celebration.
Pradyumna told Leicester Mercury: "While we observe a world plagued with division and disharmony, this festival shares the wisdom of the Bhagavad-gita to encourage us to see the true spiritual nature of all beings. This means going beyond sectarianism and even religious affiliation. In the Rathayatra festival, the Lord of the universe, Jagannatha, rides through the city to offer his glance of love to everyone."
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Dua Lipa prepares to take over Wembley Stadium with back-to-back shows this weekend
Dua Lipa is heading home. For the first time in her career, the chart-topping pop star will headline Wembley Stadium in London this weekend, and fans are buzzing with anticipation. The two-night stop is part of her Radical Optimism world tour, which kicked off in Asia and will continue through the end of 2025. Here’s everything you need to know before heading to one of the capital’s biggest gigs this summer.
When, where, and what to expect from Dua’s Radical Optimism shows
Dua performs at Wembley Stadium on Friday, 20 June and Saturday, 21 June. Doors open at 5pm, support acts start from 6pm, and Dua is expected on stage by 8.15pm. Each show wraps up by 10.30pm.
The pop superstar is expected to perform a 22-track setlist, including hits like Levitating, Don’t Start Now, Dance the Night, and New Rules, alongside tracks from her latest album, Radical Optimism. Recent shows have also ended with a taped outro of Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance with Somebody, keeping the energy high as fans exit.
Support acts for both nights include Dove Cameron and Alessi Rose. However, there’s speculation that RAYE and Charli XCX might also make surprise appearances for Dua’s hometown concert.
For those interested in merch, you can shop at the stadium or drop by the official pop-up shop in Shoreditch from 19 to 22 June (11am–6pm).
Dua Lipa on stage performing hitsGetty Images
Tickets, banned items, and travel advice
Tickets are still available through resale platforms like Viagogo, StubHub, and Ticketmaster. Prices range from £55.20 (₹5,800) for resale general admission to £549 (₹57,600) for the official ‘Dua Lipa Gold’ hospitality package. Fans should be cautious, though, since resale tickets might not be valid if the original terms don’t allow transfer. Always check with the original ticket provider.
Wembley has a strict bag policy of only one bag per person, no larger than A4. Also banned are alcohol, large umbrellas, glass bottles, perfume, selfie sticks, and professional cameras. Security checks are mandatory at entry.
When it comes to travel, Wembley Stadium is served by three stations, including Wembley Park (Metropolitan and Jubilee lines), Wembley Stadium (Chiltern Railways), and Wembley Central (Overground and Bakerloo). Check TfL’s website for updates, especially for planned closures or delays over the weekend.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or just love a good stadium show, this is set to be a memorable event in London’s live music calendar.