2023 has been a tumultuous year like any other for politics in Britain. Here, we round up the top political events in the UK this year, including resignations, investigations, state visits, technology updates, and Royal events.
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Politicians facing backlash
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faced backlash on a number of occasions, such as when he was caught not wearing a seatbelt while in a moving vehicle, and walking his dog off the leash.
The Lockdown Files were released by The Telegraph, with former health secretary Matt Hancock in particular facing the heat. Former PM Boris Johnson also had his share of the spotlight in regards to the Partygate scandal.
Nicola Sturgeon announced her resignation, with Humza Yousaf succeeding her as Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) and Scotland's First Minister. A probe is launched into the SNP's funding and finances, with police investigating and making arrests.
Meanwhile, Dominic Raab resigned as UK Deputy Prime Minister due to an independent report finding that he had bullied officials.
Read more ⋙ Rishi Sunak: Akshata Murty to pocket another £6.7 million in dividends, becoming the richest-ever PM’s wife
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⋙ Rishi Sunak facing criticism over 'heartless' response to woman's inability to afford a lightbulb
Political and Royal visits
The world is still grappling with the fallout from Russia's war in Ukraine as the one year anniversary was marked in February. Boris Johnson made a surprise visit to Ukraine while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the UK.
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla made their first state visit to Germany, with their visit to France postponed due to civil unrest in the country. In May, they will be crowned as King and Queen at the coronation.
Other political events
The government banned the application TikTok on ministers' and other employees' mobile phones, and introduced the Emergency Alerts service for the mobile phones of all Brits.
Sources used:
The Telegraph: 'The Lockdown Files'
BBC: 'Partygate returns: MPs' inquiry into Boris Johnson explained'
Reuters: 'UK's Boris Johnson and the 'partygate' scandal'