Inflation hits 40-year high as energy bills soar
The Metropolitan Police investigation into Partygate has ended, with 126 fines given out over eight events.
The force said its probe was now complete, and that a total of 73 women and 53 men had been given penalties – some multiple times.
Scotland Yard said it would not be releasing the identities of people fined, but Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak have already admitted receiving penalties and Thursday’s announcement was expected to trigger fresh resignation calls.
The events found to have breached Covid laws included the “bring your own booze” Downing Street garden party on 20 May 2020, Mr Johnson’s birthday celebration on 19 June 2020 and a gathering in the prime minister’s official residence on 13 November that year – the day of Dominic Cummings’ departure.
Sue Gray’s long-awaited report into partygate could be published as soon as next week, now that police inquiries have concluded, a source close to her team told The Independent.
Ms Gray’s report was completed in January, but she delayed the publication of the full document at the request of the Metropolitan Police to avoid any danger of influencing their investigation.
Key points
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Carrie Johnson has not received any further partygate fines
An update from our political editor Andrew Woodcock:
Boris Johnson’s wife Carrie has not received any further fined in the final round of Partygate fixed penalty notices, The Independent understands.
Chiara Giordano19 May 2022 11:43
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Timeline of government gatherings as more partygate fines issued
The Independent has taken a look at all the claims of parties and investigations into gatherings across No 10, government departments and at Conservative Party HQ.
Chiara Giordano19 May 2022 11:30
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Metropolitan Police has ‘no objection’ to Sue Gray publishing report
Our home affairs editor Lizzie Dearden is in a briefing with Metropolitan Police acting deputy commissioner Helen Ball.
Ms Ball has told reporters: “We have no objection to Sue Gray publishing her report and she will make her own decision now on what action she wants to take.
“The position at the moment is that 97 of the FPNs have been paid, we haven’t been notified that anyone intends to contest it.”
Chiara Giordano19 May 2022 11:17
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Crucial Sue Gray Partygate report could come as soon as next week
Sue Gray’s long-awaited report into partygate could be published as soon as next week, now that police inquiries have concluded, a source close to her team has told The Independent.
Our political editor Andrew Woodcock has more updates here:
Chiara Giordano19 May 2022 11:03
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The eight events that led to 126 partgate fines
Our home affairs and security editor Lizzie Dearden has more details on those partygate fines:
The events found to have breached Covid laws included:
- The “bring your own booze” Downing Street garden party on 20 May 202
- Boris Johnson’s birthday celebration on 19 June 2020
- A gathering in the prime minister’s official residence on 13 November 2020 – the day of Dominic Cummings’ departure
- The Downing Street Christmas party on 18 December 2020
- A Cabinet Office drinks event on 17 December 2020
- The leaving do held on the eve of Prince Philip’s funeral in April 2021, where a suitcase of wine was allegedly brought into Downing Street
- Number 10 leaving drinks on 14 January 2021
- A leaving do for a No 10 private secretary on 18 June 2020.
Chiara Giordano19 May 2022 10:59
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Partygate investigation ends with 126 fines issued for eight events, Met Police say
The Metropolitan Police investigation into Partygate has ended, with 126 fines given out over eight events.
The force said its probe was now complete, and that a total of 73 women and 53 men had been given penalties – some multiple times.
Follow our breaking news story here:
Chiara Giordano19 May 2022 10:50
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Reputation of Commons can only be rebuilt if ‘bad eggs’ are dealt with, says Sir Lindsay Hoyle
Sir Lindsay Hoyle has said the reputation of the House of Commons can only be rebuilt if “bad eggs” are dealt with.
The Commons Speaker said those who work in Parliament should not feel alone or feel they have to suffer, as he highlighted there is support available.
He also said people should go straight to the police if a criminal offence has been committed.
Asked about his feelings on recent events and allegations involving figures in Westminster, Sir Lindsay told Times Radio: “I’m very, very concerned, not only for victims, but also this doesn’t help the reputation of the House of Commons. Far from it.
“What I want to do is make sure we have clear ways in which to support victims and making sure that those routes are available, and what I would say very clearly – if it is a criminal offence, please go straight to the police.
“We also have our ICGS, our independent complaints way forward, so as I say we have different routes, please use them.
“Do not feel you’re alone. Do not feel that you have to suffer. We’re here to help and support.
“And we’ve got to rebuild the reputation of the House of Commons. We can only do that by ensuring if there are bad eggs out there, let’s get them.”
Chiara Giordano19 May 2022 10:50
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Stock markets tumble as inflation surges and recession fears intensify
Stock markets fell in London and across Europe on Thursday as fears grow that out-of-control price rises could soon cause a recession.
The FTSE 100 index of large company chares slid 2 per cent to 7,288.56 after inflation surged to a 40-year high and markets reacted to Wall Street suffering its worst day since the height of the pandemic.
Our business correspondent Ben Chapman has more details:
Chiara Giordano19 May 2022 10:35
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Sir Lindsay Hoyle argues he hasn’t seen defence secretary closing bars within armed forces
Speaking about the culture of drinking in Westminster, Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said he had not seen defence secretary Ben Wallace close down many bars within the armed forces.
Last week, Mr Wallace told Times Radio the mix of long hours, high pressure and alcohol could be “poisonous”, adding: “My advice to any MP is actually avoid the bars – finish a day’s work and go home.”
Today, Sir Lindsay told the same radio station: “Ben’s my neighbour. I’ve got the greatest of respect.
“I’ve not seen Ben closing many bars down within the armed forces.
“So, you know, if the culture is fine there, why can’t we use the same kind of culture here?”
Chiara Giordano19 May 2022 10:25
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Commons speaker admits he is powerless to keep rape-accused Tory MP out of parliament unless rules changed
Sir Lindsay Hoyle has said that unless the rules change, an MP has the right to come to the House of Commons while under police investigation.
His comments come as a Conservative MP is under police investigation after being accused of rape and sexual assault offences.
Sir Lindsay was asked if this MP should be kept away from entering the House while the police are investigating.
“Unless the rules change in the House, a member has the right to come in,” he told Times Radio.
“What we believe is it’s in the best interest of both the member and the staff to stay away while there is a police investigation.”
He was asked if empowering him or the Commons authorities outside the traditional disciplinary routes of the party whips or parties themselves was something the Speakers’ conference should look at.
“What I would say is conversations are going on at the moment,” he said.
Chiara Giordano19 May 2022 10:08
https://independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/boris-johnson-news-inflation-cost-of-living-sunak-b2082431.html
