Boris Johnson returns lockdown party questionnaire to police

984

Boris Johnson has responded to a questionnaire from the Metropolitan Police about Downing Street gatherings during coronavirus restrictions.

A Number 10 spokesperson confirmed to Sky News that the prime minister has returned the document.

Mr Johnson had seven days to respond to the questionnaire, which was sent to him last Friday.

The prime minister was one of more than 50 people to be sent the document by the Metropolitan Police, which is looking at potential Covid rule-breaking.

Mr Johnson had until 22:00 GMT on Friday to answer the survey.

He has said he did not believe he was breaking any rules but apologised “for the things we simply didn’t get right”.

Mr Johnson has received legal advice about his response.

The Met is investigating 12 events held across government and said a fine would be issued to anyone found to have breached Covid regulations. A decision is not expected for weeks.

The force previously said the questionnaires would ask what had happened and “must be answered truthfully”.

The documents, which were sent by email, require an “account and explanation of the recipient’s participation in an event”, the Met said.

But it added that being contacted did not mean a fine would always be issued.

The questionnaire has the same status as information given in an interview under caution.

Of course, this is all about letting enough water go under the bridge in the hopes the public will move on.

The police investigation was launched in late January after an internal inquiry led by civil servant Sue Gray passed information to the force.

According to Sky News, a total of 14 Tory MPs have so far called for Mr Johnson to resign, but the momentum behind the internal party pressure for the PM to go has waned in recent weeks.

Many MPs are thought to be waiting for the outcome of the police investigation into partygate.

If Mr Johnson is fined, this would likely provoke a fresh wave of calls for him to go.

Johnson has so far dismissed the notion of resigning over the row, meaning Conservative critics will have to force a no-confidence vote in his leadership of the party.

A total of 54 letters – from 15% of the party’s 360 MPs – are needed to trigger a leadership vote.

If Mr Johnson were to win such a ballot, he would be immune from another leadership challenge for a year.

Were he to lose, he would have to resign and a successor as party leader and PM would be chosen.

Support Labour Heartlands

PLEASE HELP US KEEP GOING AD-FREE

This is a "Pay as You Feel" website.

Hey there! Thanks for stopping by. If you've enjoyed reading the articles on Labour Heartlands so far, We would be incredibly grateful if you could consider making a small donation. Labour Heathlands is not your typical news outlet. We are not here to simply regurgitate the daily news cycle, that's for the rest of them. Our focus is on delving deeper, uncovering the untold stories and shedding light on the issues that the mainstream media chooses to ignore.

Our unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity means that we are not influenced by any external forces. We are not beholden to PR companies, advertisers or press barons, and we refuse to let anyone dictate what we report on. Our editorial independence is sacrosanct, and our only allegiance is to the truth.

While we do not align ourselves with any particular political party, we stand firmly against corruption, injustice and the erosion of truth and the rule of law. We believe that accurate information is the lifeblood of a democracy and that facts are not up for debate.

Once again, thank you for your support – We truly couldn't do this without you!

PLEASE HELP US KEEP GOING AD-FREE