The Metropolitan Police is investigating potential COVID-19 breaches at two gatherings involving Conservative Party personnel. The first investigation is focused on a Christmas party held at the Conservative Campaign Headquarters in London on Dec. 14, 2020. The second investigation is into an event on December 8 of the same year, where Privileges Committee member Sir Bernard Jenkin reportedly attended a “birthday drinks” event for his wife in Parliament.
However, the Metropolitan Police, along with Thames Valley Police, will not be investigating potential breaches involving former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and others at Downing Street and Chequers between June 2020 and May 2021.
Recent evidence, including video footage, prompted the Metropolitan Police to reopen its investigation into the Christmas party. The video shows Conservative Party staff violating COVID-19 rules and mocking the restrictions. Attendees of the party included individuals who received honors from Boris Johnson and members of the failed London mayoral campaign of Shaun Bailey.
Indoor socializing was banned under Tier 2 restrictions in London at the time of the party. The video sparked an apology from Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove, who called the incident “unacceptable and indefensible.”
The second investigation involves Sir Bernard Jenkin, who attended a drinks party while London was under Tier 2 measures. Mr. Jenkin is a member of the Privileges Committee, which ruled that Boris Johnson had committed “repeated contempts” of Parliament, leading to his resignation as an MP. Boris Johnson criticized Mr. Jenkin for hypocrisy and called for him to explain his actions and resign.
The Metropolitan Police stated that they follow consistent criteria when assessing breaches of COVID-19 regulations and will only open investigations when there is evidence of a “serious and flagrant” breach. They will continue to provide updates on the investigations in due course.