Police Expand "Partygate" Investigations: Tory MP Uncomfortable Situation Deepens

Police Expand "Partygate" Investigations: Tory MP's Uncomfortable Situation Deepens

Police Expand "Partygate" Investigations

The British police have announced further investigations into the "Partygate" scandal surrounding parties held during the COVID-19 pandemic. These investigations could prove particularly uncomfortable for a Tory Member of Parliament.

The scandal surrounding the British "Partygate" affair shows no signs of abating as the Metropolitan Police has announced additional inquiries into two parties that allegedly took place during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown.

The first investigation was prompted by a recently leaked video that purportedly shows footage of a party held on December 14, 2020, at the headquarters of the Tory Party. The images also include the former Conservative mayoral candidate for London, Shaun Bailey.

The second case under scrutiny in the new investigations revolves around a party that allegedly occurred in the British Parliament just a week prior. On December 8, 2020, members of both the House of Commons and the House of Lords reportedly celebrated together, apparently in honor of a birthday.

Accusations Against Johnson Critic Jenkin

One of the alleged guests at the early December party is now drawing particular attention: Member of Parliament Bernard Jenkin. The Conservative politician serves on a parliamentary committee of the House of Commons, which only a few weeks ago reprimanded former Prime Minister Boris Johnson for repeatedly lying to Parliament regarding the "Partygate" affair and his participation in parties during the lockdown. The committee even recommended Johnson's suspension as a Member of Parliament, although he preempted this by resigning from his position.

Now, Jenkin also finds himself accused of violating COVID-19 regulations by attending the December 8 gathering. Johnson has already called for Jenkin's immediate resignation as a Member of Parliament.

Good News for Johnson

As a result of the "Partygate" scandal, 126 fines have been issued thus far. In addition to Johnson, the current British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, who served as the Chancellor of the Exchequer during Johnson's premiership, has been obligated to pay a fine.

The latest announcement from the Metropolitan Police brings some good news for Johnson as well. There will be no investigations into alleged further parties held at 10 Downing Street and a former Prime Minister's country residence. Investigations have determined that these allegations "retrospectively do not meet the criteria for initiating an investigation."