Partygate Mark II: Boris is under fire again

The Cabinet Office has referred Prime Minister Boris Johnson to the police, with new allegations of breaches of Covid rules during the pandemic. The referral was made after a review of documents ahead of the Covid public inquiry to begin its hearings in June 2023. 

Johnson – who was previously fined for breaking Covid rules in 2020 –  has denied any wrongdoing but it is alleged that his diary contained an entry that said he hosted friends at Chequers during lockdown.

Carol Vorderman said on Twitter: “BREAKING Johnson referred to 2 Police Forces by the Cabinet Office for FURTHER breaches of Covid rules His defence lawyers are being paid for by us – £250,000 so far Just go away Boris once and for all You disgust decent people with your lies and greed”.

BREAKING
Johnson referred to 2 Police Forces by the Cabinet Office for FURTHER breaches of Covid rules
His defence lawyers are being paid for by us – £250,000 so far

Just go away Boris once and for all
You disgust decent people with your lies and greedhttps://t.co/92DEbqNh5l

— Carol Vorderman (@carolvorders) May 23, 2023

Both the Metropolitan Police and Thames Valley Police are assessing the information. The Cabinet Office disclosed the documents to the police as required by civil service rules.

The Times reported that Johnson was referred to Thames Valley Police due to his ministerial diary showing visits by family and friends to Chequers, his country house. Police confirmed that they are investigating potential breaches at Chequers and Downing Street although Johnson has not been contacted so far.

But Ben Bradley, a Conservative MP said to Sky News in this interview posted on Twitter: “I think the world’s moved on.”

These allegations have been seen as politically motivated by some commentators with Jacob Rees-Mogg defending Mr Johnson on GB News, saying: “The latest stories are just another example of how those who don’t like Boris, mainly because of Brexit, are always looking for something to have a go at him on.”

Now Johnson says he is ready to sue the civil service in what he sees as a stitch-up. The Commons Privileges Committee is also investigating whether Johnson misled Parliament regarding Covid rule-breaking events in government buildings.

If the committee concludes that he deliberately misled MPs, it could lead to a suspension from Parliament and a by-election in his constituency. The public inquiry into the government’s handling of the pandemic will begin hearings next month.