/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/larazon/JKNNI366VVBJ7AKTEBUGKCXLEM.JPG?fit=%2C&ssl=1 "What about Boris Johnson?")
British police are preparing to issue a first round of fines for parties celebrated by Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s staff during coronavirus lockdowns.
The Metropolitan Police declined to confirm multiple UK media reports that the fines would arrive as soon as Tuesday, saying that he would not give a “progress comment” on his investigation.
Dozens of politicians and officials have been investigated over accusations that the government broke the rules it imposed on the country during the pandemic.
The London Metropolitan Police sent questionnaires to more than 100 people, including the prime minister, and interviewed witnesses as part of the investigation.
The partygate scandal had left Johnson’s tenure precarious before Russia launched a war in Ukraine more than a month ago that gave British politicians more pressing priorities.
Johnson’s leadership in power was rocked by public anger over revelations that his staff held “bring your own drink” office parties, birthday celebrations and “wine Fridays” in 2020 and 2021, while Millions of Britons were barred from gathering with friends and family due to their government’s COVID-19 restrictions.
Johnson has denied any wrongdoing, but it is alleged that he was at several of the dozen events at his 10 Downing St. office and other government buildings that are being investigated by police.
Opponents, and some members of the ruling Conservative Party, said Johnson should resign if fined for breaking the rules.
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