Numerous missteps cost Boris Johnson his job. The investigations into the "Partygate" scandal are still ongoing. Now new evidence has been handed over to the police.
London/Frankfurt - Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is once again accused of violating the lockdown rules in the Corona pandemic. Already in the spring of 2022, Johnson was investigated in the so-called "Partygate" scandal and a fine was imposed. Johnson had received guests in his seat of government during the lockdown and also celebrated with them. Other violations were reported to the police. The central British government agency has denounced Johnson.
Further allegations against Boris Johnson in the "Partygate" scandal
Despite the fine, Boris Johnson has not yet put the "Partygate" affair behind him. Ongoing investigations are dealing with the question of whether Johnson deliberately lied in parliament. In the past, he emphasized that there had been no violations of the lockdown regulations. During the preparations for a parliamentary inquiry, however, further entries were found in his calendar, as the British Guardian reported. These indicate that Johnson hosted more meetings than originally known.
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is accused of further violations of the lockdown rules in the Corona pandemic. © Jay Janner/IMAGO
A representative of the former prime minister denied the allegations that Johnson friends and family members were invited to his country estate in Chequers contrary to the lockdown rules in the UK, as the German Press Agency wrote. Police confirmed to the Guardian that they were examining evidence that could indicate possible breaches of lockdown rules between June 2020 and May 2021.
Further meetings during Corona lockdown: "Clear evidence of crime" against Boris Johnson
In a statement, Johnson's office said it was trying to extend the investigation for "political reasons," the Guardian quoted the statement as saying. "The events in question were all within the framework of the regulations because they were either held outdoors or fell under another lawful exemption. This includes regular meetings with officials and advisers," the rebuttal said. The allegations would serve to "undermine Mr. Johnson".
The sifted documents are said to contain "fairly clear evidence of crime," an unnamed source told the Guardian. It would not be possible to explain all visits to Chequers by exemptions. The new allegations could prolong the announcement of the findings of the investigative committee. If it turns out that the former prime minister lied in the "Partygate" scandal, the withdrawal of his mandate and thus an end to his political career is likely. Uncovering further violations could exacerbate the consequences. (vk)