Met Police 'considering' fresh Partygate footage showing Tory staff dancing and mocking lockdown rules

18 June 2023, 15:23

The Metropolitan Police is "considering" fresh Partygate footage of Tory staff dancing and mocking lockdown rules at CCHQ.

A video obtained by the Sunday Mirror showed staff at Conservative Campaign Headquarters (CCHQ) swing-dancing in front of buffet platters and alcohol.

Two dancers twirl past a sign saying “Please keep your distance” and when the person filming the video is challenged, a colleague is heard acknowledging that the bash was "like, bending the rules.”

Police said they were "aware of the footage and are considering it".

It comes after Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said he wanted to apologise to everyone for the behaviour displayed, adding that it was "indefensible".

"The fact that this was happening at the height of the pandemic when the virus was spreading and people were observing significant rules in order to make sure they protected others," Mr Gove told Sky News.

"The fact that this party went ahead is indefensible.

"The people who were there I'm sure feel contrite, I certainly hope they do."

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John Stevens predicts Rishi Sunak will steer clear of the Commons for partygate motion

The bombshell comes just days after Boris Johnson resigned following a damning report by the Privileges Committee declaring that he lied to Parliament about his knowledge of the scandal.

The footage also showed Ben Mallet who was recently awarded an OBE in Mr Johnson's resignation honours list - a revelation which is likely to inflame further tensions over the gongs.

The party was previously revealed after photos of the bash which included Shaun Bailey, a former Tory candidate for Mayor of London who was also on Mr Johnson's honours list.

Read More: Tobias Ellwood u-turns on decision to abstain on Partygate vote after hearing messages from LBC listeners

Read More: Michael Gove apologises for 'terrible' Partygate video showing staff dancing and mocking lockdown rules

Boris Johnson was accused of an 'attack on democracy' by the report published last week into his Partygate statements.

The former prime minister had been under investigation by the Commons privileges committee since last June, after an investigation by police and then senior civil servant Sue Gray confirmed a series of gatherings had taken place in Downing Street during lockdowns.

The bombshell report from the committee said he had been "disingenuous" and if he had not already resigned as an MP he should have been suspended for 90 days.

The report also said Mr Johnson should be banned from getting a former MP pass for the Parliamentary estate.

Tobias Ellwood changes his plans and will no longer abstain from Partygate vote

A vote on the report is set to take place on Monday, with several Tory MPs - including Mr Gove - expected to abstain.

Among those was also Tobias Ellwood, who changed his mind after speaking to LBC's Sangita Myska and hearing messages from listeners.

"I’m moved by what I hear I will now change my plans for tomorrow, I will change my plans and come back early and vote to support the privileges committee," he said.

"I’m happy to be persuaded by good people that listen to your show and who expect high standards and you’re right - if I can’t emulate those high standards where do we go?"