Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and defence minister Richard Marles says his government's foreign policy on Bougainville remains unchanged. Mr Marles' comments follow scathing criticism from the Bougainville President, Ishmael Toroama, who had accused him of taking sides with Papua New Guinea over the Bougainville independence question. Toroama issued a statement saying Marles has made clear that Canberra would back whatever position the PNG Government reached on the Bougainville issue. Bougainvlle's Government is committed to achieving independence by 2027 at the latest with progress expected in the next year. Toroama says since the end of the Bougainville Civil War Australia had maintained a neutral stance, but now Australia has clearly come up in support of Port Moresby. Marles was asked by the Pacnews Agency to respond and he said Australia remains committed to the Bougainville peace agreement. "Australia was a witness to the Bougainvillle peace agreement more than 20 years ago. And as such, we are completely committed to the processes contained within the Bougainville peace agreement," he said. He said nothing in his comments last week in Port Moresby were intended to signal any change in Australian policy over a long period of time, in respect of that. "The political settlement that will ultimately be reached by all parties to that agreement is one that Australia will obviously support. And that's where Australia stands. And that's where we've always stood," Marles said. Source: Radio New Zealand

A dazzling Test debut by Nathan Cleary and four tries to Josh Addo-Carr led the Kangaroos to an 84-0 win over Scotland in Coventry. Three weeks after leading the Panthers to back-to-back premierships, Cleary had a personal tally of 28 points, while Addo-Carr took his tournament tally to six tries in two games as Australia racked up their biggest World Cup win since 2000. Australia got the ball rolling in the sixth minute when Cleary sent a cut-out pass over the top to Addo-Carr before the halfback took the ball to the line and put centre Jack Wighton into a hole on the right edge to make it 10-0. Roosters back-rower Angus Crichton made it two tries in two games when he pounced on the loose ball after Lachlan Walmsley spilled a Cleary bomb. Campbell Graham celebrated his Test debut with a try in the 21st minute when he finished off some good lead-up by hooker Harry Grant, Cleary and Wighton. Cleary's impressive opening to his Test career continued in the 28th minute when he scooted over from dummy half and the Kangaroos were keeping pace with the clock at 28-0. A dropped ball by Scotland five-eighth Bailey Hayward on the halfway mark was swooped on by Crichton who found Matt Burton and he sent the ball out to Addo-Carr who raced 50 metres to grab his second of the night. Wighton completed his double in the 35th minute after a strong run by Liam Martin, who evaded a couple of defenders and sent a well timed pass back inside to the Raiders star. Skipper James Tedesco opened the second half in style with his second try of the tournament before a scheming Cameron Munster skipped across field and put Ben Hunt into a hole as the score hit 52-0. Addo-Carr completed his hat-trick in the 49th minute before Graham made it a double 10 minutes later and Burton crossed on debut as the magin blew out to 68 points. Graham's dream debut continued in the 74th minute when he made it a hat-trick courtesy of a deft grubber by Grant. Isaah Yeo also enjoyed a fine Test debut and he grabbed a late try in the match after Munster hooked a kick across field and Ben Hunt flew high to pull it down and find the Panthers co-captain in support. Some brilliant play by Burton to keep the ball alive gave Addo-Carr the chance to kick ahead and chase for a dazzling four-pointer to give him four tries. Source: NRL.com

The Kumuls squad was forced to adapt against Tonga with unexpected injuries ruling out all three wingers prior to the match. But in true Kumuls spirit, all those who were asked to step up played the game with heart and produced some stellar performances. To have a player go down in any squad is devastating news for any Coach. Having received the results from the MRI scans, the decision has been made that it is in the best interest of the injured players that they return home to start their rehabilitation. Edene, unfortunately, succumbed to a complex injury to his groin and pelvis. He was unable to progress conservatively through stages of return and thus will require an extended period of rehabilitation, ruling him out of the tournament. Xavier has suffered a non-contact injury during training to his hamstring, ruling him out for the rest of the tournament. Jimmy Ngutlik has recovered and has been training well. At this point, no decision has been made on replacement players coming into the squad.

Following an earlier delivery in April of a 20-foot container of donations for the Gulf Province the PNG Gulf Association of Queensland has now sent through a 40-foot container of donations. The 40-foot container was packed and sealed on Saturday 24th September at the Rotary Australia Repurposing Equipment Compound in Brisbane. Most of the donations came from Rotary and a lot of it was also collected and donated by members of the association and friends and family in the community. The medical and school supplies to be delivered to Port Moresby and forwarded on to the Gulf Province includes wheelchairs, crutches, hospital beds, medical mattresses, medical care and first aid kits, birthing kits, hospital gloves, medical consumables, sanitary packs, toiletries, sanitising wipes, hospital linen, desks, chairs, tables, book shelves, computer equipment, primary reading books, secondary text books, teachers resources, whiteboards, exercise books, pens, pencils and other stationery, dictionaries, sports equipment, sports kits, tools, portable solar lights and more. Some of the donations are brand new including a very generous donation from Spencil stationery. The unpacking and distribution will take place on Saturday 22nd October at the compound of one of our most valued corporate partners GFS Limited. The items will be delivered throughout the Gulf Province – from Iokea, Vailala, Moveave, Lese Kavora, Lese Ilaval, Lese Oalai Lese Avihara, Kerema, Koaru, Terapo, Malalaua, Uritai, Hamuhamu, Meii Uaripi, Karama and other locations around the Gulf province. Donations sent up were received from families, friends and individuals in Brisbane and schools throughout the community including St Flannans Primary, St Josephs Nundah, Nudgee College, St Pats College Shorncliffe, Bracken Ridge State School and Payne Road State School. We also thank our wonderful partners and network of extraordinary supporters SolarBuddy.org, Rotary Australia Repurposing Equipment Northern Region, Rotary Boroko, Days for Girls International, GFS (Gobe Freight Services) and Swire Shipping. We also sincerely thank Hon Thomas Opa MP Kerema District for logistical support to deliver on the ground.

Ritz-Carlton's highly-anticipated superyacht cruise has finally made its debut, three and a half years after its maiden voyage was originally scheduled to begin. Evrima, the first of three custom-built yachts from the famous hotel chain's Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, began a seven-night cruise from Barcelona, Spain to Nice, France on October 15. The 190-meter vessel, which can accommodate 298 passengers, is made up of 149 suites with a private terrace, as well as floor to ceiling windows, and features an infinity pool, a wine vault, a Ritz-Carlton Spa, a nightclub and its very own "marina." Rates for a one-week stay start at $6,400 per person for Mediterranean voyages, while Caribbean voyages begin at $5,100 per person, with accommodation options ranging from standard cabins, to two-story "loft-style" apartments, and a sprawling 1,091- square-foot "owner's suite" with a private hot tub. [caption id="attachment_28810" align="alignnone" width="636"] According to Ritz-Carlton, Evrima has one of the highest space ratios in luxury cruising, with 85.2 square feet of space per guest.[/caption] Those who splash out of these luxury cruises can expect "service at a gold standard" -- the yacht claims one of the highest staff and space to guest ratios at sea -- as well as fine dining experiences, complimentary water sports, and on-board entertainment. There's also a dedicated on-board children's facility with a jam-packed program for those aged from four to 12. Evrima, which means discovery in Greek, will sail to a range of destinations throughout the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, as well as Central America and South America, with most cruise durations ranging from seven to 10 nights. The luxury yacht is to be followed by two others, Ilma and Luminara, currently under construction at Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. Ritz-Carlton first announced plans to move into the luxury yachting world back in 2017, describing the venture as "a hybrid between luxury cruising and yachting." "The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is revolutionizing the luxury cruising industry, creating an entirely unique category designed for those in search of unmatched getaways, highly curated itineraries, insider access and a level of personalization previously unseen in the space," Douglas Prothero, chief executive officer for the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection said in a statement. "Every element of the luxury yachting experience was considered when designing and creating Evrima, and we are excited to deliver unforgettable journeys for both longtime cruisers and those who are new to the industry." All three of the superyachts will be available for private charter. While Ritz-Carlton have not revealed the charter price, it's safe to assume that those who opt to hire the vessels out will need pretty deep pockets. "We are thrilled to introduce The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and usher in an exciting new chapter for this beloved brand," says Chris Gabaldon, senior vice president for luxury brands at Marriott International. The launch of Evrima has been rescheduled several times due to supply chain issues and the global pandemic. Earlier this month, the Four Seasons announced plans for its first vessel, a 14-deck, 207-meter-long superyacht with 95 suites, which is scheduled to enter service in late 2025. Source: CNN News

Secretary for Education Dr. Uke Kombra and the Managing Director for NHC, Mr. Henry Mokono signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Wednesday, October 12th on the Duran Farm Housing Project – Portion 528. The signing of the MOU paves the way for the two organizations to work collaboratively to ensure that the housing scheme is realized. A pleased, Dr. Kombra said this is the first attempt by the Department to engage in a housing scheme for its officers and the journey so far was long but worthwhile. “I am pleased to inform all our officers that the signing of the MOU was done Wednesday, 12th October. It will pave the way for further work between the two organizations to ensure that officers who are eligible are assisted to purchase homes under the scheme,” Dr. Kombra said. The Department expressed its interest in 2014 to the then administration of NHC however; it has taken until 2021 for real progress to be made. “I am happy that we have achieved an important milestone with the signing of this MOU and I encourage our officers to prepare financially in order to benefit from this scheme,” he said. A total of 100 allotments have been allocated for the Department of Education. The Teaching Service Commission will also be included in this housing scheme. Six building companies have been engaged for officers to choose to build their house once they have met all the requirements. So far 300 officers have expressed interest by applying to the Department of Education Housing Committee which is chaired by Deputy Secretary, Teaching and Education Standards, Mr. Walipe Wingi. The DoE Housing Committee will continue to work with NHC to ensure the department’s desire to help its officers own homes becomes a reality. The Committee will also come up with some criteria to assess the expressions of interests by officers. Dr. Kombra has instructed the Housing Committee to inform the officers of the progress made and what to expect in the coming months through an internal Secretary’s Circular. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) will soon be signed by the two organizations to guide them to work closely together to achieve the ultimate goal of providing affordable housing for officers in the department who are able to afford one.

After an international search, The Australian National University (ANU) has appointed Dr Dave Peebles as the new Director for the Australia Pacific Security College. Dr Peebles will lead the College from February 2023, holding the title of Professor in the Crawford School of Public Policy at The Australian National University (ANU). Professor Helen Sullivan, Dean of the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific, welcomed Dr Peebles’ appointment. “Dr Peebles will make a vital contribution to the life of ANU with his extensive academic background, connections across the Pacific and strategic outlook. I look forward to the Australia Pacific Security College going from strength-to-strength under his direction,” Professor Sullivan said. “Dr Peebles joins the most concentrated community of Pacific scholars in the world.Importantly, those scholars are increasingly drawn from the Pacific and are making crucial impacts back in their communities.” Dr Peebles has been passionately engaged with the Pacific academically and professionally for almost 30 years, and said he was delighted to take up the appointment. “Pacific Islanders will confront some of the most difficult security challenges in human history in coming years. Climate change. Geostrategic competition. The impact ondevelopment from the COVID-19 shock,” Dr Peebles said. “I am honoured and privileged to have this opportunity to lead the Australia Pacific Security College, as we work together on these challenges. “We will take this voyage together as a Pacific family, guided by the Pacific Islands Forum’s 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, and Boe and Biketawa Declarations. “My family and I have a deep love and affection for the Pacific. Many of our happiest times as a family, and our most professionally rewarding work, have been in the Pacific. My wife Justine has also served as the RAMSI Special Coordinator in Solomon Islands and my children’s formative years were spent in the Pacific. “I look forward to working with Pacific governments and citizens as the Director of the Australia Pacific Security College.” Dr Peebles currently works in the Office of the Pacific in the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs, where he has been responsible for some of the most critical Pacific strategic issues, including climate change and oceans, the Pacific Islands Forum and Australia’s overall Pacific policy. As part of his diplomatic career, Dr Peebles served as Deputy High Commissioner in Solomon Islands, Minister Counsellor in Indonesia and as a peace monitor in Bougainville as part of the regional peace monitoring group. Dr Peebles has also served as a Senior Adviser on Overseas Aid and Pacific Island Affairs at Parliament House and as the Chief of Staff to the ACT Minister for Education and Training. Dr Peebles has a PhD, Master of Strategic Affairs, Master of Business Administration, Master of Education, Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and Bachelor of Arts (Hons). He is the author of Pacific Regional Order, published by ANU. The Australia Pacific Security College is an educational institution that enables critical thinking about national security pressures and opportunities, and new pathways to a more secure Pacific. The College works in partnership with Pacific Islands Forum members on the region’s security challenges. The College is funded by the Australian Government.

The Marape/Rosso government is serious in taking the Ministry for Tourism, Art and Culture to the next level by considering and including music as an integral part of it. How far have we thread the road of music as musicians and how far have we benefitted from music are the questions that I as Minister responsible have to answer. Minister for Tourism, Art and Culture Hon, Isi Henry Leonard expressed these views at the tribute concert hosted for the late PNG music icon and artist Steve Lahui at Elevala village on Wednesday 19th. The late Lahui who was a household name in the 80s and 90s, had passed away several weeks ago, and Mr Leonard as Minister for Tourism was attending the event to show the government’s support and share in this time of loss with the family of the late musician from Central Province. “The passing of late Steve Lahui has prompted me and allowed me to come into this occasion to make known to our people and musicians that it is about time now we all have to work together to position the music industry to where it must be and where it supposed to be. “For me as Minister, I consider it very differently at this time, today we come here to mourn but at the same time we come here to celebrate the life of Steve Lahui as a musician,” Mr Leonard said. Stressing that musicians and lyrical content makers had to be compensated for their creativity and the material they produced as artists among other content makers. He said artists needed to make money and as a responsible government, it was willing to provide the necessary platforms. As Minister, he was taking music seriously, while expressing the need to give recognition to artists and the music industry in the country. Mr Leonard paid tribute and respect to the late Steve Lahui and his family, who he described as an outstanding singer and artist from the Southern region of PNG. Minister Leonard presented Ten-Thousand-Kina (K10,000.00) from his office to the family of late Steve Lahui to help with costs and expenses of the hauskrai. Other artists that performed at the tribute concert featured, Makali, Dokona Manoka, Dika Dai and Incense Gospel band among others. Meantime, the body of the late Steve Lahui was laid to rest in his village of Barakau last week.

The Kangaroos will dedicate their World Cup match against Scotland to the memory of Redcliffe Dolphins player Liam Hampson, with a shattered Pat Carrigan vowing to play in his honour. Carrigan and a several other members of the Kangaroos squad were close to Hampson, who passed away in Barcelona this week, and the Broncos forward was visibly upset as he left early from a civic reception on Wednesday night. Australian coach Mal Meninga has given the squad a three-day break after the match against the Bravehearts and he said it would be an opportunity for Carrigan and other players to grieve for Hampson. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="840"] Kangaroos forward Pat Carrigan will play in honour of Liam Hampson[/caption]   “They are obviously affected by it,” Meninga said. “At some stage the boys who were close friends with him over here will need time to grieve and we will support them as best we possibly can. “Pat wants to get out there, so he is comfortable with that at the moment, but we are still another 24 hours away from the game so we will see that pans out. “All of the team has got a bit of time off after the game. I am not quite sure what Patty and those guys are going to do but they will have time and space to reflect in their own way. Being so far away from home too is a big thing.” Meninga asked to send a message of support to Hampson’s family before the Kangaroos captain’s run at Coventry Building Society Arena, which is home to Coventry City FC and the embattled Wasps rugby union club. The Kangaroos will wear black armbands and there will be a moment's silence for Hampson before the match. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="840"] Liam Hampson played for Tweed Heads Seagulls and Redcliffe Dolphins[/caption]   “It is tragic news. On behalf of the Kangaroos, we send our condolences back to Liam’s family and friends. It was a sad day and obviously we pay our respects,” Meninga said. “Liam’s family will be very much grieving today and for a very long period of time, so we are very much behind them. In our minds we will be playing for them tomorrow.” Hampson, 24, was reported missing by a group of friends while on a trip to Spain, with his father Brett sadly confirming his passing on Thursday. A talented hooker, who starred at schoolboy level for Keebra Park High, Hampson played for the Tweed Seagulls in 2021 and was a member of the Dolphins team that played in this year’s Hostplus Cup grand final. Source: NRL.com

Prime Minister and Tari-Pori MP James Marape has called on the people of Tari-Pori living in towns and cities in the country to return home and help to develop their district. He also called on Hela leaders and public servants to be in the province at all times. PM Marape made the call in Tari yesterday (October 20, 2022) after the swearing-in of the Tari-Pori District Development Authority (DDA) members, followed by the swearing-in of the Hela Provincial Assembly members. The Tari-Pori DDA is composed of Chairman Marape, Tari Town Mayor Andaija ‘AJ’ Jeli, Women’s Representative Theresa Punga, Business Representative Dorothy Waigima and Local Level Government (LLG) Presidents Arnold Angai (Tagali), Thomas Tari (Tebi), Zerox Oberia (Hayabuga) and Patrick Pipe (Pori). “Tari-Pori has returned me as MP for four consecutive terms since 2007 – which is the longest ever for an MP here,” PM Marape said. “It is a privilege of the highest order for me which I don’t take lightly. “I owe my political life to the people of Tari-Pori and I commit myself to a better life for them, as well as people of Hela and Papua New Guinea as a whole. “I am pleased to see that my DDA has appointed women representatives, who continue on from their previous term. “I also take this time to appeal to all people of Tari-Pori to return home and help to construct our town. “Tari is getting to be a better town with new offices, sealed roads and strengthening of the law-and-justice sector. “Tari-Pori DDA will work with the Hela Provincial Government led by Governor, Ho. Philip Undialu, to make the district and province better. “I call on Governor Undialu, members of the Hela Provincial Government, all leaders and public servants to be in the province working and we will assist from the National Government.

The Papua New Guinea–Australia Partnership will provide greater access to technical education for women and girls through the provision of a new dormitory at the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (Unitech). The PGK15 million grant from the Incentive Fund will provide 100 new beds for female students across a range of academic areas. “This project is an important step towards PNG achieving our vision of becoming a modern, self-sufficient country, by improving access to high quality accredited technical education for all students, both men and women,” said Vice-Chancellor of Unitech, Dr Ora Renagi, at the groundbreaking ceremony for the project. [caption id="attachment_28771" align="alignnone" width="906"] The official launch of the project.[/caption] The PNG University of Technology is one of PNG’s leading universities, providing education across a range of disciplines including science, architecture, business studies, engineering, and mathematics. There are currently 692 female students enrolled this year, more than a 100 of whom are currently being housed off-campus due to a lack of beds. At the event, Australian High Commission Infrastructure Counsellor Simon King noted that “a qualified, well-trained and practically skilled workforce is essential in today’s modern world, and both men and women should be able to participate equally in these sectors”. The PNG-Australia Partnership is pleased to support women and girls access previously male-dominated academic streams, to help increase their employment opportunities domestically and internationally,” said Mr King. By providing safe and secure accommodation, the University will be able to meet the demand for bed space for its increasing female student intake, thus increasing the number of women entering the workforce with tertiary qualifications. [caption id="attachment_28772" align="alignnone" width="906"] Unitech Vice-Chancellor, Dr Ora Renagi (left), Morobe Governor, Luther Wenge (centre) and Australian High Commission Counsellor-Infrastructure, Simon King.[/caption] “We want to see more women graduating from technical disciplines, so that they can pursue employment in highly specialised technical fields,” said Dr Renagi. Unitech students and graduates were heavily involved in the recently opened ANGAU Memorial Hospital Redevelopment project. With further Australian commitments in Lae, such as the redevelopment of the Lae Tidal Basin, there will be increasing demand for women and men from relevant technical fields to support the delivery of those projects. The new dormitory is expected to be completed in December 2023, in time for occupancy at the beginning of the school year in 2024. The PNG-Australia Partnership has provided around PGK70 million under the current phase of the Incentive Fund, aimed at increasing and improving access to education across the country.

Liz Truss will become the shortest-serving prime minister in Britain's history after bowing to pressure from her own MPs to resign following a disastrous start to her premiership. It follows weeks of plummeting opinion polls and turmoil in financial markets following her government's mini-budget at the end of last month. She will remain as prime minister until a leadership election is completed within the next week to find her replacement, and there's speculation Boris Johnson is considering a bid to return to the top job. Speaking outside the door of Number 10 Downing Street, Ms Truss accepted that she could not deliver the promises she made when she was running for Conservative Party leader, having lost the faith of her party. "I recognise though, given the situation, I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected by the Conservative Party. I have therefore spoken to His Majesty the King to notify him that I am resigning as leader of the Conservative Party," she said. "This morning I met the chairman of the 1922 Committee, Sir Graham Brady. "We've agreed that there will be a leadership election to be completed within the next week. [caption id="attachment_28765" align="alignnone" width="589"] The resignation speech British Prime Minister Liz Truss made outside Number 10. [/caption] "This will ensure that we remain on a path to deliver our fiscal plans and maintain our country's economic stability and national security. "I will remain as prime minister until a successor has been chosen." Ms Truss, who has been in power for just 45 days, will become the shortest-serving prime minister in Britain's history – George Canning previously held the record, serving 119 days in 1827 before he died. Earlier on Friday, party officials had gathered at Downing Street while a growing number of her own MPs called on her to quit. Appointed by Queen Elizabeth II on September 6, Ms Truss was forced to sack her chancellor and closest political ally, Kwasi Kwarteng, last week and abandon almost all of her economic program after their plans for vast unfunded tax cuts crashed the pound and British bonds. Approval ratings for her and her Conservative Party collapsed. On Wednesday she lost the second of the government's four most senior ministers, when Home Secretary Suella Braverman resigned over a minor breach of the ministerial code. In her resignation letter, Ms Braverman, 42, took a thinly veiled swipe at Ms Truss's government, saying she had "serious concerns" about the government's ability to honour commitments it made to voters at the last election. "Not only have we broken key pledges that were promised to our voters, but I have had serious concerns about this government's commitment to honouring manifesto commitments, such as reducing overall migration numbers and stopping illegal migration, particularly the dangerous small boats crossings," she wrote. "It has been a great honour to serve at the Home Office. "In even the brief time that I have been here, it has been very clear that there is much to do, in terms of delivering on the priorities of the British people." [caption id="attachment_28766" align="alignnone" width="549"] British Labour leader calls for general election. [/caption] Ms Truss had also faced laughter as she tried to defend her record to parliament and saw Conservative MPs openly quarrel over policy, deepening the sense of chaos at Westminster. New Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt is now racing to find tens of billions of pounds of spending cuts to try to reassure investors and rebuild Britain's fiscal reputation as the economy heads into recession and with inflation at a 40-year high. Opposition Leader Sir Keir Starmer said the situation was "a mess" and called for a general election. "This is not just a soap opera at the top of the Tory party — it's doing huge damage to our economy and to the reputation of our country," the Labour leader said. "And the public are paying with higher prices, with higher mortgages. "So we can't have a revolving door of chaos, we can't have another experiment at the top of the Tory party." Race now on to replace Truss [caption id="attachment_28767" align="alignnone" width="701"] There is speculation former prime minister Boris Johnson may run again for the Conservative Party leadership.(AP Photo: Kirsty Wigglesworth) [/caption] A new leadership election will be completed by next Friday, October 28, with Conservative MPs having until 2pm on Monday, UK time, to nominate candidates. Candidates will need at least 100 nominations, which will mean likely only three will make the cut, given there are 359 Conservative MPs sitting in the House of Commons. If enough MPs get behind one candidate, it could knock out all other contenders before a ballot is even held and they would automatically become party leader and prime minister. However, if there are two candidates left, they will then take part in hustings before an online vote for members of the Conservative Party. "We fixed a high threshold but a threshold that should be achievable by any serious candidate who has a prospect of going through," Sir Graham Brady said. Those expected to run include Penny Mordaunt and former chancellor Rishi Sunak. Mr Hunt has ruled himself out, and The Times newspaper reported former prime minister Boris Johnson, who Ms Truss replaced, may throw his hat in the ring. A poll earlier this week showed that most members wanted Mr Johnson — who was ousted from Downing Street in July after a series of scandals — to return. Mr Johnson — who is still facing an investigation into whether he misled parliament after he and his staff held a string of parties during COVID-19 lockdowns — is believed to cutting his holiday in the Caribbean short to return to the UK this weekend. The face of the 2016 Brexit vote has loomed large over politics since he became London Mayor in 2008. He led his party to a landslide election victory in 2019 but was driven out of office in July. Several Conservative MPs have voiced their support for the former prime minister. "I hope you enjoyed your holiday boss. Time to come back," James Duddridge said. Source: ABC News