Police to probe whether Starmer broke the rules

SIR Keir Starmer is to be investigated by police amid allegations he broke lockdown rules last year, after receipt of “significant new information”, Durham Constabulary said.

The Labour leader has come under pressure since footage emerged of him drinking a beer with colleagues in April 2021 in Durham during campaigning for the Hartlepool by-election.

He declined to answer questions in Carlisle over the investigation on Friday, after confirmation from police.

Sir Keir this week said he wanted to focus on the cost-ofliving crisis and not Conservative “mudslinging”.

At the time of the alleged gathering, non-essential retail and outdoor venues including pub gardens were open but social distancing rules, which included a ban on indoor mixing between households, remained in place.

Police did not elaborate on the new information but said its general approach was not to take ‘retrospective action’.