Another blow for Boris Johnson
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has been cleared by Durham Police after an investigation into whether he breached lockdown rules by sharing a beer and curry with his staffers on the campaign trail in April last year.
Sir Keir had promised to stand down as leader if he was fined in relation to a gathering in Labour offices in Durham ahead of the Hartlepool by-election.
In a statement, the Labour said: "I’ve always said no rules were broken when I was in Durham.
"The police have completed their investigation and agreed: there is no case to answer.
"For me, this was always a matter of principle. Honesty and integrity matter. You will always get that from me."
Deputy leader of the Labour party Angela Rayner was also cleared by Durham Police.
Writing on Twitter she said: "We’ve always been clear that no rules were broken in Durham.
"The police have completed their investigation and agreed, saying that there is no case to answer.
"Integrity matters in politics.
"The contrast with the behaviour of this disgraced Prime Minister couldn’t be clearer."
Additionally, City of Durham MP, Mary Foy, was cleared of any wrongdoing.
In a statement she said: "I am delighted Durham police have investigated and concluded that neither I or my team have a case to answer in relation relation the work visit in Durham on 30th April 2021.
"I would like to thank officers for their professionalism and diligence throughout the investigation.
"However, it is unfortunate that the desire of some Conservative politicians to score political points has led to so much of Durham Police’s time being focused on a matter that was already investigated, especially when their resources are already under significant pressure.
"After the pressure of the last few months, I am enormously appreciative for the understanding of my staff and their families have shown in the face of significant intrusion from the right wing media, including their children and parents being doorstepped.
"Now that this matter has been put to rest, I will continue to focus my efforts on serving my constituents both in Durham and in Westminster, as well as on holding what is left of this shambolic government to account during this cost of living crisis.
Related links
