UK PM & FM apologise for ‘partygate’, finrd by police

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his Cabinet, have apologised after London’s Metropolitan Police announced they will fine the duo for attending rule-breaking gatherings during the UK’s Covid-19 lockdown, in an episode which has been dubbed as the ‘partygate’ by the British press.  A statement from the British Prime Minister’s office said that  “The prime minister and chancellor of the exchequer have received notification that the Metropolitan police intend to issue them with fixed penalty notices. We have no further details, but we will update you again when we do.” The fines relate to parties held in Downing Street during lockdown and are expected to include a gathering in June 2020 in the cabinet room for Johnson’s birthday. In January of this year, senior civil servant Sue Gray published findings on four gatherings by the prime minister and his staff during lockdown in 2020 and 2021.

Gray's findings acted as a blow to Johnson who had previously said the rules were followed at all times. She also said the conclusions were related to just four of the 16 events she investigated. Among the events that were under police investigation were a June 2020 birthday party for Johnson in Downing Street and two gatherings held on the eve of Prince Philip's funeral in April 2021. Police have been investigating 12 gatherings at Downing Street and the Cabinet Office after an internal inquiry found Johnson’s staff had enjoyed alcohol-fuelled parties, with the British leader attending a few of the events himself. Opponents have urged the prime minister to resign over the issue.