The Metropolitan Police has launched an investigation into “a number of events” in Downing Street and Whitehall over potential breaches of coronavirus regulations.
“I can confirm that the Met is now investigating a number of events that took place at Downing Street and Whitehall in the last two years in relation to potential breaches of COVID-19 regulations,” Met Police commissioner Cressida Dick told the London Assembly.
Live reaction and fallout as police investigation launched – politics latest
Commissioner Dick said the decision to investigate was made as a result of information provided by the Cabinet Office investigation into the gatherings and “my officers’ own assessment”.
A Cabinet Office spokesperson said this inquiry, led by senior civil servant Sue Gray “is continuing”, and there is “ongoing contact” with the Met.
Sky News understands Ms Gray’s report will not be published while the Met’s investigation is ongoing.
Read more: What could Sue Gray’s inquiry into No10 parties mean for PM and who decides what happens next?
Reacting to the news, Labour’s deputy leader Angela Rayner said Boris Johnson had become a “national distraction” and should resign.
“With Boris Johnson’s Downing Street now under police investigation, how on earth can he think he can stay on as prime minister?”
Conservative MP David Davis, who last week called on the PM to go, said: “With the police now investigating, this nightmare gets even worse. We have to be able to get back to dealing with real threats as quickly as possible.”
Police investigation means partygate scandal will drag on
Source : skynews
