Partygate: Police to fine ‘at least 15 people’ over Downing Street lockdown gatherings

The fines come as part of the police force’s investigation into Downing Street parties held during lockdown – with the latest penalties coming months after the Mirror first revealed details of the alleged breaches

The Metropolitan Police are set to hand out Covid fines to at least 15 people over the Downing Street party saga, the Mirror understands.

The first tranche of fixed-penalty notices are expected to come as soon as today, as the force’s investigation into Partygate continues.

It is understood that the most controversial cases will not be dealt with as part of the first wave, which will be between 15 and 20 people.

The penalties come months after the Mirror first revealed details of lockdown-reaching parties held as the rest of the country lived under strict Covid rules.

Scotland Yard is investigating 12 events, including as many as six which Boris Johnson is believed to have attended.

These included a notorious “bring your own booze” bash in the Downing Street garden in May 2020, a surprise get-together for Mr Johnson’s birthday in June 2020, and a party in the PM’s No11 flat in November 2020.

Mr Johnson previously admitted he was at the “bring your own booze” event for 25 minutes – claiming he believed it was a work event – while Downing Street said staff “gathered briefly” in the Cabinet Room to mark the Prime Minister’s 56th birthday.

The Met Police said: “We’re not giving a running commentary and I would refer you to our statement from March 21 which is still on our website.”

Many Tory MPs have called for the Prime Minister to resign over the damning allegations, but some, including Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross, have withdrawn their comments after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began.

It is understood outgoing Met Police chief Cressida Dick wants the investigation done and dusted before she leaves.

More than 100 police questionnaires had been sent out to people believed to have attended the rule-breaking parties.

The PM and Chancellor Rishi Sunak have completed questionnaires.

It means the PM could be slapped with fines of up to £10,000 if he is found to have broken the rules.

There was no official update from Downing Street or the Cabinet Office on Monday evening.

It comes as the Government were preparing to release the first figures of their heavily criticised Homes for Ukraine scheme.

The scheme has been criticised for being too bureaucratic and not generous enough for Ukrainian refugees.