Police have decided not to open a formal investigation into fresh allegations of lockdown breaches by Boris Johnson at Downing Street and Chequers – but will begin a probe into his “Partygate” inquisitor, Sir Bernard Jenkin.
The Metropolitan Police also announced that it was reopening an investigation into a “jingle and mingle” Christmas party at Conservative Party headquarters following the assessment of new evidence.
The Met and Thames Valley police began probing fresh claims of lockdown breaches by Mr Johnson after his ministerial diary revealed visits by friends to Chequers during the Covid pandemic.
The Cabinet Office passed concerns to the two forces after the visits were uncovered during preparations for the Covid public inquiry.
But after assessing the material provided “and an account provided regarding the diary entries”, as well as seeking “further clarification”, the forces said they “do not meet the retrospective criteria for opening an investigation”.
It has however opened an investigation into allegations of lockdown breaches by Sir Bernard, who quizzed Mr Johnson as part of the Privileges Committee inquiry which found the ex-PM misled Parliament on multiple occasions on Partygate.
It comes following allegations that Sir Bernard attended a drinks party to celebrate his wife’s birthday hosted by Deputy Commons Speaker, Dame Eleanor Lang, in Parliament on 8 December, 2020, sparking accusations of “monstrous hypocrisy” from Mr Johnson.
The Met has also reopened an investigation into potential breaches of lockdown rules at a CCHQ Christmas party on 14 December, 2020.
A previous probe into that gathering resulted in no fines being issued.
But later the Met decided to reopen its probe into the gathering after receiving video evidence.
It comes after the Mirror published footage of Tory staff drinking, dancing and discussing lockdown rules in June.
The Liberal Democrats renewed calls for former Tory London mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey’s peerage, for which he was nominated by Mr Johnson, to be paused as police investigate the gathering at party headquarters.
Deputy leader, Daisy Cooper, said: “Rishi Sunak needs to confirm he will call for honours to be stripped from anyone found to have broken the law.
“Anything less would make a complete mockery of his pledge to lead with integrity.
“He should also step in to stop Shaun Bailey from taking his seat as a peer while this investigation takes place.”
