The Metropolitan Police Service says it is investigating a series of alleged parties at the Downing Street residence of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson during the COVID-19 lockdown.
key points:
- Boris Johnson is under pressure to resign from the number 10 shows he has been attending during the lockdown
- Police have confirmed they are investigating “possible beaches” of lockdown restrictions related to incidents
- It is also learned that a birthday party was held for Mr Johnson in June 2020, when indoor mixing was banned
The announcement will put even more pressure on Mr Johnson, who is facing calls from within his own party to resign after admitting to attending several events.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said the service was looking into “potential breaches” of lockdown restrictions in Downing Street and Whitehall – the street where many government buildings are located in London.
“I can confirm that the Met (Metropolitan Police) is now investigating a number of incidents in Downing Street and Whitehall over the past two years in relation to possible violations of COVID-19 regulations,” she said.
The inquiry was launched after the Cabinet Office provided information to the Meteorological Department through a separate inquiry into the events conducted.
That investigation, led by senior civil servant Sue Grey, is ongoing. A Cabinet Office spokesman confirmed there was “ongoing contact” with police.
The inquiry report was to be released this week. But now it is expected to be delayed until the completion of the police investigation, which could take several weeks.
Speaking in the House of Commons ahead of a statement on the Ukraine-Russia crisis, Mr Johnson said he welcomed the decision to investigate by the police.
“I believe this will help give the public the clarity that it needs, and help draw a line under matters,” he said.
Opposition Labor deputy leader Angela Rainer said Mr Johnson was a “national distraction” and called on him to step down.
“Conservative MPs should stop supporting him and he should eventually do a good job and resign,” he said.
It was also learned on Monday that a birthday party was held for Mr Johnson at No 10 Downing Street in June 2020, when indoor mixing was banned.
ITV News reported that 30 people attended the surprise event in the Cabinet Room at No. 10 on the afternoon of June 19, 2020, where a cake was presented to the Prime Minister and his wife, Carey, wished her a happy birthday.
Mr Johnson’s office denied hosting any parties.
“That day a group of employees working at No 10 gathered briefly in the cabinet room after a meeting and wished the prime minister a happy birthday,” his office told ITV News.
“He was there for less than 10 minutes.”
Events affected Johnson’s approval rating
The Cabinet Office investigation had already been expanded to include 16 alleged gatherings in and around Downing Street since the start of the pandemic.
Among them, the one that has caused the most outrage among the public and within Mr Johnson’s own Conservative Party, was a “bring your own wine” event organized by his personal secretary to the prime minister on May 20, 2020.
An email invitation to the gathering was sent to more than 100 people and Mr Johnson admitted he had attended for about 25 minutes to “thank the staff” before returning to his office.
Last week he denied that he knew about the incident beforehand and claimed that no one had warned him “it was against the rules”.
That response drew condemnation during last Wednesday’s Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons, with former Brexit minister David Davies telling Mr Johnson it was time to “let go”.
It has also affected his approval rating, which has seen the Conservatives lag behind the opposition Labor Party in opinion polls.
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