Photos Leak of No 10 Party Amid Covid Rule-Breaking Scandal
ITV News has dropped four explosive photos from a leaving do on 13 November 2020 for Boris Johnson’s director of communications, Lee Cain. The images could throw fresh fuel on the Downing Street party controversy.
Fines Issued But Details Remain Murky
The police have already handed out fines linked to No 10 gatherings on the same date. However, it’s unclear if the penalties relate directly to this event. A No 10 spokeswoman said both the Cabinet Office and police had access to key information, including the new photographs.
Labour Hits Out: Boris ‘Broke the Rules He Made’
Labour’s deputy leader Angela Rayner slammed the PM, saying he had “demeaned his office” and the “British people deserve better.”
She added: “Boris Johnson said repeatedly that he knew nothing about law-breaking – there’s no doubt now, he lied. Boris Johnson made the rules, and then broke them.”
Met Police Wrap Up Investigation; Sue Gray Report Imminent
The Metropolitan Police probed 12 different Downing Street and Whitehall events throughout the pandemic. The inquiry ended last week with 126 fixed penalty notices issued to 83 people for parties spanning eight dates.
Johnson, his wife Carrie, and Chancellor Rishi Sunak all got slapped with fines over a June 2020 birthday bash for the PM. But No 10 confirmed Johnson faces no extra fines after this latest leak.
Sue Gray, the senior civil servant leading a separate inquiry, will publish her report “in the coming days.” After that, the Prime Minister will give a full statement to Parliament.
PM Denies November 13 Party in Commons
Back in December 2020, Labour MP Catherine West asked Johnson in the Commons if a party took place on 13 November. He insisted, “No – but I am sure that whatever happened, the guidance was followed and the rules were followed at all times.”
This latest leak could seriously undermine that statement.
