The London Metropolitan Police said earlier on Tuesday that they had released more more than 50 fines in the composition of their investigation of “Operation Hillman” meetings held on government background in Downing Street and Whitehall and the rest of The country lived under severe pandemic restrictions. Revelations of parties broke out national disturbance.
Johnson apologized Tuesday night for violating lockdown rules, and said he paid the fine issued by the Metropolitan Police.
“Today i got fixed penalty metropolitan police notification event in downing street on 19th of June 2020. I must say right away that I paid a fine and once again offer full sorry,” Johnson said. on Sky News. He did not specify amount he was fined.
CNN’s ITV affiliate previously reported that two gatherings were held to celebrate Johnson’s birthday, one with up to 30 people in attendance. people in the office office noon of June 19 and another one the same evening hosted at the Johnson residence and attended family friends.
Source who have worked in Downing Street at the time had previously confirmed to CNN that the assembly took place on that day and that his wife Carrie arranged it, who led the singing of happy birthday song.
The meeting was largely attended by what was believed at the time to be Johnson’s inner circle, according to CNN.
The so-called Partygate scandal that arose in At the end of 2021, the most serious threat to Johnson’s premiership to date emerged. Revelations that the prime minister attended several parties, already caused furious calls for him to retire before Tuesday announcement of police fine.
Gray’s report says police are investigating at least 12 events — including at least two Johnsons present and a third hosted in his apartment, which he had previously informed the deputies about, was not there. The police later said they were investigating. events taking place on eight separate dates between May 2020 and April 2021.
The Metropolitan said in the application was given more than 300 photos and 500 pages of information to review during the investigation.
reaction on tuesday development, main opposition Labor party leader Keir Starmer immediately demanded that Johnson and Sunak step down. “Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak broke the law and lied to the British on multiple occasions. public. They both need to retire. Conservatives are completely unsuitable for management. Britain deserves better,” Starmer tweeted.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also called for Johnson to retire.
“Boris Johnson should retire. He broke the law and lied repeatedly parliament about it. basic values of conscientiousness and decency are necessary conditions for proper work of any parliamentary democracy — demand that he is coming. And he should take him out of touch the chancellor with him,” she said. on Twitter.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan also called for Johnson to leave, stating that “Prime Minister who breaks laws made by his government and then lies about it inappropriately for office.”
“Families made huge sacrifices and obeyed the law. Many said that they last farewell to loved ones on phone while the prime minister was having fun.” – Khan added in statement on Facebook.
According to ministerial rules, if government minister violates the ministerial code, they are expected to should quit your job. The Code includes a “comprehensive duty” of ministers to comply with law.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs announced the investigation of illegal meetings in Downing Street continues.
Luke McGee of CNN, Max Foster and Lindsey Isaac contributed to the story.
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