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UK police conclude probe into Johnson’s ‘partygate’ scandal

Published:Thursday | May 19, 2022 | 9:58 AM
Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson leaves 10 Downing Street for the House of Commons for the weekly Prime Minister's Questions in London, Wednesday, May 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

LONDON (AP) — Britain's Metropolitan Police says it has concluded its investigation into breaches of COVID-19 regulations at British government offices, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson's official residence, and has issued a total of 126 fines.

Police said Thursday that they issued fixed-penalty notices to 53 men and 73 women for gatherings that took place on eight dates between May 2020, at the height of the first wave of the UK's pandemic, and April 2021.

Some people received multiple fines.

The scandal, dubbed “partygate” by the media, has dealt a heavy blow to Johnson's leadership.

The conclusion of the police investigation means that results from a separate probe by a senior civil servant, Sue Gray, can now be published.

Government officials say the Gray report, which is being closely watched for the extent to which it censures Johnson and his Conservative government, will be published as soon as possible, though unlikely before next week.

Johnson apologised last month after he revealed that he was among dozens of people who paid a police fine for attending lockdown-breaching parties and gatherings.

That made him the first British leader to be sanctioned for breaking the law while in office.

Revelations that Johnson and other senior officials gathered illegally in government buildings — including enjoying “wine time Fridays” reportedly organised by Johnson's staff — at a time when millions in the country stuck to strict government lockdown restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19 have angered voters and triggered calls for Johnson to resign.

Johnson's spokesman said Thursday he will not be receiving any more fines on top of the one he has already paid.

“The Met has confirmed they are taking no further action” against the prime minister, spokesman Max Blain said.

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