The London Metropolitan Police is investigating 12 parties and gatherings that were held during the heights of the country’s COVID lockdown. Some of these events were attended by Johnson.
Police stated that they wouldn’t identify the gathering at which notices were issued, because this could allow for the identification of those involved. A fine of $1,050 was assessed for any event that had more than 15 participants during the lockdown.
“We are making every effort in this investigation at speed, and have completed many assessments,” police stated in a statement. They also added that due to “the significant amount of investigative materials that remains to be evaluated,” further referrals for penalties could occur later.
The “Partygate” scandal caused national outrage. Britons discovered that those responsible for controlling COVID-19 had been hosting parties with alcohol in the top executive office, while the rest of the country was prohibited from visiting the graves of relatives or attending funerals.
A long-awaited report from the internal government into the parties was released in January. It found that at least some of them failed to adhere not only to the high standards expected by those at the heart and centre of Government, but also to the standards expected for the whole British population.
Sue Gray, a civil servant, was the one who compiled the report. She said that she had to limit what she made public, as 12 gatherings were under investigation by police.
Despite her limitations, she condemned Johnson’s behavior at Number 10 Downing Street. She also criticised the “excessive drinking of alcohol” in the workplace.
“There were failures in leadership and judgment by different sections of No. 10 and the Cabinet Office at various times. Some of these events shouldn’t have been allowed. Gray stated that other events shouldn’t have been allowed to grow as they did.”
