London police start probe into lockdown parties at UK PM Boris Johnson's office
India Today
London's police chief on Tuesday said her officers are investigating several parties that took place at Prime Minister Boris Johnson's office and government departments during Covid lockdowns.
London's police chief on Tuesday said her officers are investigating several parties that took place at Prime Minister Boris Johnson's office and government departments during Covid lockdowns.
"The Met is now investigating a number of events that took place at Downing Street and Whitehall in the last two years in relation to potential breaches of Covid-19 regulations," Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick told the London Assembly local authority.
Allegations that a string of parties were held at Downing Street while the rest of the country was in lockdown have shaken Johnson's government in recent weeks, prompting the worst crisis of his premiership and calls for him to quit.
The latest revelations came on Monday night and saw claims that Johnson broke lockdown rules by having a birthday party at Downing Street on June 19, 2020.
Up to 30 people were present, ITV News alleged. At the time, social gatherings were only permitted between six people outside.
"I should stress that the fact that we are now investigating does not of course mean that fixed penalty notices (fines) will necessarily be issued in every instance and to every person involved," Dick told the Assembly's Police and Crime Committee.
"We will not be giving a running commentary on our current investigations. But I can assure you that we will give updates at significant points as we would generally do."
