Partygate: First £50 fines handed out by Met police to Downing Street officials

A meagre £50 penance has reportedly been issued

Police have begun issuing the 20 fines to officials for breaching lockdown and attending parties at Downing Street during the pandemic. On Tuesday, the Metropolitan police said they were issuing 20 fines, but would not reveal which of the parties it is investigating they relate to. Of the twelve events currently under investigation, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is thought to have been present at six of them. As recently as December, Johnson has denied that he or his staff had broken lockdown guidance on the Downing Street estate. This story is being updated. More to follow...