New Partygate Photos Rock Johnson and Met Police
ITV has just dropped fresh pictures showing Prime Minister Boris Johnson raising a glass at a leaving do on November 13, 2020. These snaps throw him back into the eye of the storm amid the ongoing Partygate scandal.
Police Watchdog Urged to Step In
The Metropolitan Police’s handling of the Partygate investigation is now under fire. The Liberal Democrats have called on the Independent Office for Police Conduct to investigate the Met’s probe into the No 10 and Whitehall lockdown parties.
Daisy Cooper, Lib Dem deputy leader, says: “If anyone else had been pictured at a party like this during lockdown, surely this would have been enough evidence for them to be fined. It does seem that there has been one rule for the prime minister and another for everyone else.”
Lockdown Rules Broken at No 10 Bash?
The photos show Johnson toasting colleagues by a table piled high with bottles and wine glasses. This came during England’s second coronavirus lockdown when indoor gatherings of more than two people were banned — except for “reasonably necessary” work purposes.
While at least one attendee of the party has received a fixed penalty notice, Johnson himself has escaped a fine. The Met has refused to clarify why the PM was spared.
Pressure Mounts as Sue Gray Report Nears
Downing Street insiders reveal the long-awaited Sue Gray report on No 10 parties is imminent. Meanwhile, the revelation of these new photos has fuelled fresh claims that Johnson knowingly misled Parliament, contradicting his earlier denials of any Covid rule-breaking.
The Prime Minister now faces an inquiry by the Commons Privileges Committee over whether he lied to MPs. Government rules say ministers who intentionally mislead Parliament should resign.
Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner slammed: “The PM has demeaned his office. The British people deserve better.”
Scottish Tory peer Ruth Davidson called it: “Johnson’s position is untenable.”
Tory veteran Sir Roger Gale added: “These new images are damning. He should quit.”
A No 10 spokeswoman said the Cabinet Office and police had access to all relevant information, including photographs.
