Correct answer: (b) Relates to flouting of Covid-19 norms by British P.M's Office
Explanation
- A
Relates to illegal funding made to political parties in U.S.A. and U.K.
Option (a) claims the scandal relates to illegal funding made to political parties in U.S.A. and U.K. This is incorrect because the scandal specifically centered on domestic gatherings in Britain, not international party funding.
- B
Relates to flouting of Covid-19 norms by British P.M's Office
Option (b) claims it relates to flouting of Covid-19 norms by British P.M's Office. This is the correct option because the Partygate scandal involved gatherings and parties held at 10 Downing Street during strict nationwide lockdown restrictions, directly violating government-imposed Covid-19 rules.
- C
Relates to labour party flouting the norms of Parliamentary behaviour
Option (c) claims it relates to the labour party flouting the norms of parliamentary behaviour. This is incorrect as the events took place within the Conservative administration's core office rather than being a Labour party infraction.
- D
Relates to conservative party flouting norms of Democratic behaviour
Option (d) claims it relates to the conservative party flouting norms of democratic behaviour. While members of the Conservative party were involved, the specific controversy is defined by the breach of Covid-19 lockdown health regulations rather than general democratic norms.
Summary. Official key is (b) relates to flouting of Covid-19 norms by British P.M's Office. The Partygate scandal became a major political crisis in the United Kingdom due to revelations of rule-breaking social gatherings held inside the Prime Minister's official residence during the pandemic. Public anger mounted as ordinary citizens faced strict legal limits on meeting others while government officials partook in banned events. This widespread breach of the regulations enacted by the administration itself led to intense scrutiny and calls for accountability. Therefore, option (b) accurately captures the exact nature of the controversy.