U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson Will Be Fined Over Covid Lockdown Parties

Topline

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will be fined by the Metropolitan Police for breaking Covid-19 lockdown rules following allegations of parties at government offices, Johnson’s office told multiple media outlets on Tuesday.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks during his meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, … [+] amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in Downing Street on April 8, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Tom Nicholson – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

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Key Facts

Treasury Chief Rishi Sunak will also be fined, according to a statement from 10 Downing Street.

Johnson’s office said Johnson and Sunak received notification that the Metropolitan Police “intend to issue them with fixed penalty notices,” or a minor fine that could lead to a criminal offense if not paid.

Johnson’s wife, Carrie Johnson, was also notified that she will face fines, a spokesperson told the BBC.

The announcement marks the first time a sitting prime minister will receive a punishment for breaking the law, the New York Times reports.

Chief Critic

Labour party leader Keir Starmer renewed calls for both politicians to resign. “Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak have broken the law and repeatedly lied to the British public,” Starmer said. “Britain deserves better.” Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also said Johnson should resign, saying “he should take his out of touch chancellor with him.”

Big Number

50. That’s how many Covid-19 violations authorities have identified so far as part of their investigation into Whitehall and Downing Street, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement.

Key Background

Reports of alcohol-fueled parties held in government offices, including Downing Street, during the height of the Covid pandemic in 2020 and 2021 emerged in December. Johnson initially downplayed the reports, insisting “guidelines were followed at all times,” before admitting he attended a garden party at 10 Downing Street during the U.K.’s first pandemic lockdown in May 2020. Johnson apologized for his attendance in January, saying he believed it was a work event and only attended for 25 minutes. A report from civil servant Sue Gray found “failures of leadership” allowed several parties to take place, adding that some should have not taken place at all and others should not have “been allowed to develop as they did.”

What We Don’t Know

The Metropolitan Police and 10 Downing Street did not specify the amounts of the fines, or when they will be levied.