Police reopen investigation and launch new probe into partygate allegations

Last month a video emerged of a party held at Conservative Campaign Headquarters Credit: PA

The Metropolitan Police is reopening an investigation into alleged Covid breaches at a Christmas event for former London mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey's campaign team in December 2020.

The Met said it was reopening a probe into potential breaches of regulations at an event in Matthew Parker Street following assessment of new evidence. Last month a video emerged of a party held at CCHQ on December 14 while Covid restrictions were in place, with footage obtained by the Sunday Mirror appearing to show Conservative staff dancing and joking about lockdown rules. The Met said it was also opening an investigation into potential breaches of the regulations at an event on December 8 2020, after assessment of material relating to a gathering in Parliament.

Former prime minister Boris Johnson has previously accused Sir Bernard Jenkin, the most senior Conservative member of the Commons Privileges Committee, of “monstrous hypocrisy” after the Guido Fawkes website reported the MP had gone to a drinks party in Parliament while Covid restrictions were in place on December 8.

The Met and Thames Valley Police will not open an investigation into potential breaches of the regulations between June 2020 and May 2021 at Downing Street and Chequers, after assessing material referred by the Cabinet Office. The Met said: “Based on an assessment of that material and an account provided regarding the diary entries, and also having sought some further clarification, the Met and Thames Valley Police have each assessed the events in their jurisdiction and concluded that they do not meet the retrospective criteria for opening an investigation.”

The Liberal Democrats renewed calls for Shaun Bailey’s peerage to be paused as police investigate a “jingle and mingle” party in the Tory headquarters during Covid restrictions.

Deputy leader Daisy Cooper said: “Rishi Sunak needs to confirm he will call for honours to be stripped from anyone found to have broken the law. Anything less would make a complete mockery of his pledge to lead with integrity.

“He should also step in to stop Shaun Bailey from taking his seat as a peer while this investigation takes place.” The force said it will provide further updates “at the appropriate time”.

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