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Boris Johnson (while meeting Uruguayan President Pou in London): The next twist in the "Partygate" affair
Photo: TOLGA AKMEN/EPA
Just before the unabridged investigative report into illegal Downing Street lockdown parties is due to be released, new explosive photos are putting pressure on Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
The pictures published by the British broadcaster ITV show Johnson with a filled glass in his hand, several other people stretch their hands with glasses to toast in the air.
On the table, which can be seen in the middle of the photos, there are several open bottles of wine and champagne.
The pictures are said to have been taken at the farewell party for Johnson's former communications chief Lee Cain in November 2020, according to ITV.
They question Johnson's defense that he didn't realize the lockdown gatherings were parties.
The final investigative report on the "Partygate" affair is to be published this week.
Opposition leader Keir Starmer accused the government of already undermining the report by top official Sue Gray.
Johnson himself declined to comment Monday on questions about the forthcoming report and its implications, saying he would say more after publication.
In the past few days, it has become known that there has been at least one meeting between Officer Gray and Johnson to discuss the report.
Both sides initially blamed each other for calling the meeting.
Most recently, Downing Street admitted to having arranged such an appointment.
A government secretary defended the conversation, saying it had to be clarified which names and photos could be published in the report.
The police investigation into the lockdown parties has now been completed.
Although around 120 fines were imposed, Prime Minister Boris Johnson had to pay for attending a party, although he was present at several events.
The investigation report could further weaken his position in his party and in office.
An abridged version of the report published a few months ago accused those responsible of leadership failure and serious misconduct.
Johnson's punishment appears to be unique in British history.
"As far as we know, no prime minister has ever been found to have broken the law," the House of Commons Library said in April, when police served it with the fine, effectively declaring that the prime minister had attended the banned gatherings.
Violations were found at eight meetings in 2020 and 2021, according to Scotland Yard.
A total of 73 women and 53 men received penal orders for this.
Including some multiple times.
asa/dpa
