UK police probe lockdown parties in new blow to Boris Johnson

The investigation into possible Covid-19 rule breaches at Downing Street follow allegations about an indoor birthday celebration for the prime minister

Revelations of boozy gatherings, suitcases of alcohol and jokes by staff about how to present such parties to reporters have hammered Johnson’s ratings

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Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson sits in the back of a car as he is driven away from the Houses of Parliament on Tuesday. Photo: AFP

Published: 1:42am, 26 Jan 2022Updated: 3:08am, 26 Jan 2022

British police said on Tuesday they had opened an investigation into possible Covid-19 lockdown breaches at Boris Johnson’s Downing Street office and residence, the latest blow to a prime minister facing growing calls to resign.

Johnson is fighting for his political life after allegations that he and staff partied at the heart of the British government in breach of rules they had themselves imposed to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

Revelations of revelry including boozy parties in Downing Street, suitcases of supermarket alcohol, a broken children’s swing, a wine fridge and jokes by staff about how to present such parties to reporters, have hammered Johnson’s ratings.

ITV reported on Monday that Johnson and his now wife Carrie had attended a surprise party of up to 30 people for his birthday in the Cabinet Room at No. 10 Downing Street on June 19, 2020, when indoor gatherings were banned.

A police officer walks past 10 Downing Street whilst Larry the Cat, Britain’s Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office, sits on the pavement in London on January 11. Photo: AP

Johnson’s office described the alleged party as a brief gathering by staff to wish him happy birthday, adding that he was there for “less than 10 minutes”. A spokesman said Johnson did not believe he had broken the law over any of the gatherings.