The Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation into coronavirus-related parties held in No. 10 during the pandemic.
Since 2020, Commissioner Cressida Dick has been investigating “potential breaches of Covid-19 regulations” in Downing Street and Whitehall.
She stated that the investigation was started as a “result of the information provided by the Cabinet Office inquiry team,” which was led by civil servant Sue Gray.
The Cabinet Office stated that Ms. Gray’s investigation would continue.
However, the report will not be released while the Met investigates, and it is unclear how long the force will take.
The announcement comes in the wake of new allegations that the prime minister will be feted on his birthday in June 2020.
Downing Street has admitted that employees gathered inside No. 10 to celebrate Boris Johnson’s birthday while the first Covid lockdown was still in effect.
Ministers, however, have disputed the number of people who attended and have called for “patience” while Ms. Gray’s investigation is carried out to establish the facts.
Dame Cressida made the announcement about the police investigation on Tuesday while testifying before the London Assembly’s Police and Crime Committee.
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She acknowledged the “deep public concern” about the allegations made by parties inside No. 10, as well as the “huge sacrifices” made by the public during the pandemic.
She also stated that it would “not normally be a proportionate use of time” for the force to investigate rule violations dating back two years.
However, the commissioner stated that the police would investigate allegations that “appeared to be the most serious and flagrant violation” of regulations.
“As a result of the information provided by the Cabinet Office, and secondly officers’ own assessments,” she added, “I can confirm that the Met is now investigating a number of events that occurred at Downing Street and Whitehall in the last two years in relation to potential breaches of Covid 19 regulations.”
