Johnson referred to police over UK COVID-19 ‘breaches’

Former prime minister Boris Johnson has been referred to police by the UK authorities over potential breaches of lockdown guidelines in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, including to scrutiny over the ousted chief’s conduct whereas in workplace.

The Cupboard Workplace, which is liable for overseeing the operation of presidency, stated it had made a referral to police primarily based on data found whereas making ready submissions for a public inquiry into the pandemic.

The Occasions newspaper, which first reported the information on Tuesday, stated ministerial diaries confirmed visits in the course of the pandemic by pals to Chequers, a rural nation mansion used as a residence by sitting prime ministers.

“Some abbreviated entries in Mr Johnson’s official diary have been queried by the Cupboard Workplace throughout preparation for the COVID inquiry,” Johnson’s consultant stated.

“Following an examination of the entries, Mr Johnson’s attorneys wrote to the Cupboard Workplace and privileges committee explaining that the occasions have been lawful and weren’t breaches of any COVID rules,” the spokesperson stated.

The Occasions article quoted Johnson’s staff as calling the referral a “clearly politically motivated try to manufacture one thing out of nothing”.

The Cupboard Workplace confirmed it had handed data to the police “according to obligations within the civil service code”.

London’s Metropolitan Police stated they have been assessing that data, which associated to potential breaches of well being safety regulation between June 2020 and Could 2021.

Thames Valley Police, the drive that covers the realm round Chequers, didn’t reply to a request for remark.

Johnson was beforehand fined by police for attending an occasion to have a good time his birthday in Downing Road in June 2020, making him the primary prime minister discovered to have damaged the regulation whereas in workplace.

These fines contributed to his ouster as prime minister final yr.

He additionally stays beneath investigation by a parliamentary committee over whether or not he deliberately or recklessly misled the Home of Commons in a sequence of statements, the place he stated no guidelines have been damaged within the gatherings.

Johnson has stated he didn’t lie over the lockdown events.

Australian Related Press