UK police conclude ‘partygate’ probe

Say fixed-penalty notices issued to 53 men and 73 women for gatherings

Britain’s Metropolitan Police says it has concluded its investigation into breaches of Covid-19 regulations at British government offices, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s official residence, and has issued a total of 126 fines.

Police said yesterday that they issued fixed-penalty notices to 53 men and 73 women for gatherings that took place on eight dates between May 2020, at the height of the first wave of the UK’s pandemic, and April 2021. Some people received multiple fines. The scandal, dubbed “partygate” by the media, has dealt a heavy blow to Johnson’s leadership.

The conclusion of the police investigation means that results from a separate probe by a senior civil servant, Sue Gray, can now be published.

‘Wine time Fridays’

Johnson apologised last month after he revealed that he was among dozens of people who paid a police fine for attending lockdown-breaching parties and gatherings. That made him the first British leader to be sanctioned for breaking the law while in office.

Revelations that Johnson and other senior officials gathered illegally in government buildings — including enjoying “wine time Fridays” reportedly organised by Johnson’s staff — at a time when millions in the country stuck to strict government lockdown restrictions to slow the spread of Covid-19 have angered voters and triggered calls for PM to resign.

Johnson’s spokesman said yesterday he will not be receiving any more fines on top of the one he has already paid.

“The Met has confirmed they are taking no further action” against the prime minister, spokesman Max Blain said.

Police do not identify the people who received fines, but Treasury chief Rishi Sunak, as well as Johnson’s wife, Carrie, have said they were among those fined along with Johnson for attending a birthday party thrown for the PM in June 2020.