British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing increasing hostility from his own party in light of claims Downing Street staff broke lockdown rules by holding a Christmas gathering last year. Several Tory backbenchers, along with the former Scottish Conservatives leader, Ruth Davidson, have expressed concerns over the affair—arguing that the allegations, if true, are “unacceptable” and “indefensible”. Boris Johnson told MPs on Wednesday that he was “furious” at footage showing aides joking about festive celebrations in December 2020, and apologised “unreservedly” for the offence caused. But he insisted he had been repeatedly assured “there was no party and no Covid rules were broken”. Johnson said he had asked Cabinet Secretary Simon Case “to establish all the facts and to report back as soon as possible—and it goes without saying that if those rules were broken then there will be disciplinary action for all those involved”. He has since been hit …