Partygate scandal: Police send out first fine notices

Great Britain
Police send out first “Partygate” fine notices – Boris Johnson is still waiting

The first penalties were imposed in the course of the “Partygate” investigations: The London police announced that the first 20 fines would be sent out on Tuesday for violations of the corona regulations at the London seat of government – without saying who is affected. According to a spokesman, no fine was initially received in Downing Street.

The investigation would continue, said London’s Metropolitan Police. There is still a “significant amount” of evidence that needs to be examined. Further measures are therefore not excluded.

Boris Johnson under pressure over Partygate

The investigation into the scandal surrounding partying with lots of alcohol at his official residence during the corona lockdown put British Prime Minister Boris Johnson under heavy pressure earlier this year. The Ukraine war, however, diverted attention from the conservative prime minister’s misconduct.

The fine notices could now bring the scandal back into the headlines, as the police apparently assume that violations have actually occurred. In particular, if Johnson is directly affected by a fine, this should cause further pressure.

Investigations into several parties

Scotland Yard had started investigations into several parties at the seat of government during the Corona curfews in 2020 and 2021. The Prime Minister himself was present at some of the celebrations.

Johnson, whose popularity plummeted after the scandal, apologized to MPs in January but ruled out resigning, referring to the results of the police investigation. The Partygate affair could be dangerous for him because numerous members of his own conservative party turned away from him because of the revelations.

Johnson’s spokesman said on Tuesday he would update on any developments that are relevant to the matter.

tkr/Joe Jackson
AFP