In a fallout from a controversial event, two dozen fines are set to be issued over COVID rule breaches at the Conservative campaign headquarters in London. The incident, a party organised by Shaun Bailey’s London mayoral campaign team on December 14, 2020, has sparked public outrage and led to the resignation of Lord Bailey from his role in the London Assembly.
The event, labeled as “jingle and mingle,” featured individuals dancing in clear violation of COVID-19 regulations at the Tories’ London campaign headquarters. A photo of Lord Bailey attending the gathering prompted his resignation, accompanied by an apology where he acknowledged a “serious error in judgement.” Subsequently, he was made a peer in Boris Johnson’s resignation honours.
Notably, London was under tier-2 rules at the time, prohibiting indoor socialising with individuals from different households. Despite this, footage emerged showing attendees freely mingling at the campaign event.
Tory aide Ben Mallett, also present at the gathering, was honoured with an OBE in Boris Johnson’s list of honours.
The Metropolitan Police revealed on Friday that they have made 24 referrals for fixed penalty notices to the ACRO Criminal Records Office for breaches of COVID regulations related to the event. The fines indicate a firm response to violations of pandemic restrictions, emphasising the importance of adherence to public health guidelines, even in political circles.
