Police handed images of alleged gatherings

THE Met Police has been given 300 pictures for evidence into the Downing Street parties.

The force confirmed on Monday that it is investigating 12 of the 16 gatherings alleged to have taken place in and around Downing Street during Covid restrictions.

It follows the publication of civil servant Sue Gray’s report into rule-breaking at No 10 since the pandemic began.

The report makes clear there was “a serious failure to observe not just the high standards expected of those working at the heart of Government” and points to major “failures of leadership”.

Now a criminal investigation will begin looking at eight dates that rule-busting gatherings were alleged to have taken place.

The Met has also said it is planning to interview two participants of a Christmas bash at Conservative Party headquarters on December 14 2020, when indoor socialising was banned. Tory AM Shaun Bailey resigned from two London Assembly roles after a picture emerged of him at the party.

The Met has been presented with a dossier of more than 300 images and more than 500 pages of information that emerged from Sue Gray’s investigation.

The PM and other No 10 figures could be hit with fines for attending the parties.

A spokesperson for the Met added: “We do understand that the Met’s action in assessing and responding to these allegations will divide opinion.

“However, police officers must, based on the information available to them, make carefully considered, difficult decisions, even when to do so is contentious.

“We understand the interest in and impact of this case, and will be progressing the investigation at pace.

“We are committed to completing our investigations proportionately, fairly and impartially.”

Caroline Russell, a Green Party member of the London Assembly who sits on the policing committee, said: “It’s right the Met is investigating now, but this should have been looked at when the boozy gatherings were taking place.

“The Met needs to tell us if the Downing Street partygoers were treated the same as every other Londoner. If not, why not? And if they were, why has it taken so long for there to be any action?

“The Met is finally choosing to investigate ‘at pace’.

“It’s absolutely crucial that they follow through with this now.

“The police will struggle to retain the public consent that enables them to do their jobs, if people begin to think that laws apply to everyone except the people who make them.”