Downing Street has reiterated Boris Johnson’s belief he did not misled MPs over Partygate, despite the Metropolitan Police confirming laws were broken by government officials.
During this morning’s Downing Street lobby briefing, the prime minister’s spokesperson repeatedly refused to acknowledge whether the PM accepts laws were broken.
Number 10 said: “It’s for the Met to make that judgement, rather than the prime minister.”
Earlier today, the Met announced a first wave of fines – 20 fixed penalty notices (FPN) – with further penalties to be announced in the coming weeks. This announcement marks the first time that laws have been confirmed since the Partygate scandal broke in December last.
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Asked whether Johnson should apologise following the news, Number 10 said the PM “has apologised to the House already.”
Downing Street refused to confirm whether the prime minister would resign if he received a FPN, stating “there are specific HR processes in place for individuals”. Johnson accepted Matt Hancock’s resignation in June 2021 as his health secretary, after it was revealed that he had broken Covid rules.
Number 10 said the prime minister is not expected to comment until the Met’s concludes its investigation, also known as Operation Hillman.
Downing Street also confirmed staff would not have to disclose any fines received by them, leaving the possibility of civil servants being allowed to keep their jobs even though they broke the law. According to the civil service code, officials must “comply with the law & uphold the administration of justice”.
