The Metropolitan Police are expected to issue the first batch of fines “imminently” following their investigation of parties held at No10 during the pandemic. It comes after Government officials were among those accused of breaking lockdown rules by attending parties in Downing Street and the Cabinet Office.
Last week it emerged detectives were investigating if any gatherings had been held in the home of the Prime Minster Boris Johnson and that the Cabinet Office had begun interviewing key witnesses. The force is investigating 12 different events, including as many as six which Mr Johnson is said to have attended.
On March 21, Scotland Yard said more than 100 questionnaires had been sent out asking the recipients about their participation in the alleged gatherings. It added that the force “had not made any referrals to the ACRO Criminal Records Office for the issuing of Fixed Penalty Notices”.
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ITV News reported that as many 'approximately 20 officials' were among the first to be handed fines for the parties and gatherings. However, the Mirror reported that the number is roughly 15. There was no official update from Downing Street or the Cabinet Office on Monday evening (March 28).
The penalties come months after the Mirror first revealed details of lockdown breaching parties held as Brits followed lockdown rules during the Covid-19 pandemic. And, it could mean the PM, Boris Johnson, could be among those handed a £10,000 fine for partying as the rest of the country followed guidance.
Among the parties being investigated was a 'brief gathering' for Boris Johnson’s 56th birthday, a Downing Street ‘Christmas party’ and a 'cheese and wine' evening in the No.10 garden. It follows on from senior civil servant Sue Gray's report on her findings, in which she found 'failures of leadership and judgement' over Downing Street lockdown parties that 'should not have been allowed'.
The Met said: “We’re not giving a running commentary and I would refer you to our statement from March 21 which is still on our website.” That statement revealed partygate detectives had started to interview people as witnesses as part of their enquiries.
