Police imposed 50 fines
“Partygate” affair costs Johnson 60 euros
April 12, 2022, 3:00 p.m
The “Partygate” affair is putting the British Prime Minister under heavy pressure. Boris Johnson also has to defend himself against calls for his resignation from within his own ranks. In the end, he gets away with a fine. The opposition is demanding his resignation.
In the “Partygate” affair about banned celebrations during the corona lockdown in Downing Street, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has to pay a fine. This was confirmed by a government spokeswoman for the British news agency PA. The London police had previously announced that more than 50 fines had been imposed on those involved, without naming those affected. Finance Minister Rishi Sunak also has to pay a fine.
The “Partygate” affair had put Johnson under heavy political pressure. He has also had to fend off calls for his resignation from within his Conservative Party, as he has tolerated regular parties at his official residence and is said to have attended some. Since the outbreak of war in Ukraine, Johnson has been back in the saddle.
However, the opposition immediately demanded his resignation. “Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak have broken the law and repeatedly lied to the British public,” opposition Labor Party leader Keir Starmer tweeted. “You must both resign.”
Scottish Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon of the Scottish National Party and London Mayor Sadiq Khan (Labour) also called on Johnson to step down.
Questionnaires to 100 employees
The Metropolitan Police have investigated 12 events from 2020 and 2021. At that time, there were strict contact restrictions due to the corona pandemic. Questionnaires had been sent to more than 100 government workers and employees, including Johnson and his wife, by the police.
The investigation is still ongoing, further fines could follow. Scotland Yard said it was trying to move the investigation forward as quickly as possible. The penalties are said to be fines of over 50 pounds, the equivalent of 60 euros.