Met Police chief Cressida Dick confirmed Scotland Yard would look at ‘a number of events’ in Downing Street and Whitehall
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Boris Johnson defended by Shapps over alleged birthday party
Boris Johnson is willing to be interviewed by the Metropolitan Police for a probe into alleged rule-breaking parties, Downing Street has said.
The Prime Minister was informed that Met Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick would announce that she was launching an inquiry into the ‘partygate’ saga this morning.
But he failed to inform top ministers during this morning’s Cabinet talks – and they were in the dark until the end of the meeting as they didn’t have their phones.
Dame Cressida told London Assembly members that the force would look into “a number of events” in Downing Street and Whitehall during the pandemic.
It is understood that publication of the findings of a Whitehall inquiry by top civil servant Sue Gray will now be delayed until the police probe is concluded.
Mr Johnson told MPs he “welcomes the Met’s decision to conduct it’s own investigation because I believe this will help to give the public the clarity it needs and help to draw a line under matters”.
Downing Street said the PM thinks it is “entirely right” for the Metropolitan Police to investigate.
Asked if the PM would submit himself to questioning, the PM’s official spokesman said: “Anyone who is required to would be expected to cooperate in any way they are asked to.”
Pressed again, the spokesman said: “Anyone asked to will cooperate fully, as you would expect.”
Asked if the PM thought he would be vindicated by the probe, the spokesman said: “I don’t think it would be wise for anyone to prejudged the investigation publicly like that.
“You have seen the PM’s previous comments on this. He believes that this work will help provide further clarity and help draw a line under this.”
The PM does not believe he has broken the law, Downing Street said, saying: “It is fair to say he does not.”
No 10 said Mr Johnson did not discuss the police probe at Cabinet, despite being informed in advance.
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The PM’s spokesman said: “That was confirmed by the police while Cabinet was taking place so he didn’t reference it specifically, he alluded to that at the end of Cabinet but beyond that, no.
“He made those comments about ensuring the Government is not deterred from getting on with the job, he didn’t go into detail about the Met given that Cressida Dick made her comments while Cabinet was taking place.”
Mr Johnson was “made aware shortly before” the Met Police chief made the announcement – and before the Cabinet session began, the spokesman said.
No 10 would not say whether Mr Johnson considered being fined for Covid rule breaches would be a resigning matter.
Labour’s Angela Rayner warned the public have “made up their minds” about the Prime Minister.
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The Deputy Labour leader told the Commons: “Just weeks ago the Prime Minister told this House, ‘there was no party’. How does the Paymaster General explain that?
“I know across the country people know enough. They have made up their minds about the Prime Minister. When will his party catch up?”
Tory Minister Michael Ellis said: “The government recognises and I recognise the public anxiety, and indignation that it appears as though the people who have been setting the rules may not have been following, and I would like to repeat that sentiment today.
“There is a limit to what I can say given this is an ongoing investigation and an ongoing police investigation.”
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey called for Mr Johnson to resign.
He said: “It’s clear the Government is now in total meltdown.
“Story after story about Covid laws being broken in No 10, revelations about MPs having constituency funding threatened by government whips, and now a Prime Minister and his staff under police investigation.”
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