Downing Street "Partygate" - the Met investigates
Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner called it a "truly damning reflection on our nation's highest office", while Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said the PM should resign.
It's a big twist in a story that's been evolving for weeks. The Metropolitan Police is now investigating a number of events held in Downing Street during the coronavirus pandemic. Commissioner Cressida Dick said her officers were looking into "potential breaches of Covid-19 regulations" in Downing Street and Whitehall since 2020. She said the investigation was launched as a "result of the information provided by the Cabinet Office inquiry team", led by civil servant Sue Gray.The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ understands her report won't be published in full while police investigate.
Boris Johnson told the Commons he welcomed the investigation as it would "give the public the clarity it needs" over the allegations. His spokesman also said the PM did not believe he had broken the law. Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner has renewed calls for Boris Johnson to resign in light of the inquiry, calling him a "national distraction". There have been fresh allegations of a birthday party being held for the prime minister in June 2020.
For 5 Minutes On, the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's Political Correspondent, Alex Forsyth, looks at the potential impact of the Met's involvement on this fast-moving story.
Image Credit: Elvis - copyright PA
