The UK government is winded on many fronts, not by major geopolitical positions, or matters of urgent national policy, but over its character, and its apparent lack of respect for the public at large.

Conservative lawmakers are extremely unhappy with the shift on COVID-19 restrictions, as some of the polls show the Tory lead slipping in recent days.

The polls also identify questions being asked in the public sphere about Boris Johnson's integrity over his response to a Downing Street Christmas party that was held last year during lockdown.

But it's not so much the party as the denials that's doing the damage.

The Prime Minister continues to maintain there was no party and no rules were broken, even after the video was leaked showing Downing Street officials joking about the alleged event.

More than 50 Tory MPs are likely to vote against his plans for Covid passports in Parliament next week, which could prove to be the biggest rebellion within his party yet.

Plan B may have been agreed among the scientific advisors, but it's not going down well in the constituencies as local companies take stock of the recommendations that people work from home from Monday and what that means for their businesses.

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Commentators are pointing out the inconsistencies in the latest measures, with masks compulsory for shops and public transport, but not for pubs and restaurants.

And while the Omicron figures continue to climb, the government is still unwilling to condemn the idea of Christmas parties.

And on the issue of last year's Christmas party scandal, there's already been a public resignation by the prime Minister's former press spokesperson, leaked footage, questions in parliament and even a formal investigation and the yet the Prime Minister's position remains unchanged.

Now his Director of Communications is reported to have been at the party also handing out awards to members of staff. It's likely the opposition will seize on that latest piece of intelligences to pile on the pressure.

The Prime Minister's allies continue to maintain that he will sort out the mess with a firm hand, but it's becoming harder to see how that will be achieved.

There are already whispers in Westminster that the time for a successor is drawing closer with names like Chancellor Rishi Sunak, and foreign secretary Liz Truss being offered up as ideas if not alternatives.

Downing Street needs some good news to wipe the slate a bit, a struggle in the House of Commons over COVID-19 passports is unlikely to be it.

Cover image: Adrian Dennis/Pool via Reuters