Police have contacted Boris Johnson about the Downing Street lockdown parties
Key takeaways:
- The Metropolitan Police in London has sent Boris Johnson a questionnaire to investigate parties in Downing Street during COVID lockdowns.
- The prime minister and his wife, among others, have received letters from the police requesting that they account for their activities on the dates in question.
According to his office, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has received a questionnaire from the Metropolitan Police in London as part of the investigation into parties in Downing Street during COVID lockdowns.
Suppose the embattled prime minister is found to have broken his government's own COVID rules. In that case, he could be fined, and he will face even more pressure to resign from fellow lawmakers already enraged by his involvement in the "partygate" scandal.
A growing number of members of his party are calling for his resignation, and even former leaders are warning him against clinging to power if he has broken the rules.
Former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith stated it would be "very difficult" to remain in office if the police discovered Johnson had broken the law. In contrast, former Prime Minister John Major accused Johnson and his gov't of "shredding" the United Kingdom's international reputation by treating the truth as optional.
The prime minister's office confirmed that police had contacted him in a statement. It comes as tensions in Ukraine are rising, with British citizens being advised to leave the country in case of a Russian invasion.
Johnson has refused any wrongdoing, but he is accused of being present at least six of the 12 events under investigation by police at his 10 Downing St. office as well as other govt buildings.
During the first lockdown, he admitted to attending a "bring your own booze" party in the No. 10 garden in May 2020 but insisted he thought it was a work event.
He also allegedly went to a party hosted by his wife, Carrie, at the official Downing Street residence, where ABBA songs were allegedly played.
The police have written to about 50 people, including the prime minister and his wife, requesting that they account for their activities on the dates in question.
According to the force, questionnaires must be completed and returned within seven days. They have the same legal standing as information given in a police interview under duress.