Met police need to find 'speedy resolution' to Partygate scandal, minister tells LBC
22 March 2022, 08:17
Minister: the Met 'needs a speedy resolution' to Partygate
Small Business Minister Paul Scully told LBC today the Government is “keen to draw a line” under the party-gate investigation and wants the matter brought "to a head."
Speaking to Nick Ferrari at Breakfast, he said: "I think we all want to bring it to a head, draw a line under it, whatever the Metropolitan police find.
“They need to come up with a speedy resolution.
“If people are found to be breaking the law, punish them with a fixed penalty notice or whatever it is.
“Nonetheless I think the point does stand that there are so many things going on in the world that are affecting people on a day-to-day basis that’s what we want to be concentrating on.
Read more: PM 'confident' he did not break the law over Partygate, minister tells LBC
“Things like the cost of living issues, things like the conflict in Ukraine.”
Scotland Yard announced yesterday that detectives investigating alleged lockdown-busting parties held in Downing Street and the Cabinet Office have begun interviewing key witnesses.
The Metropolitan Police said more than 100 questionnaires have been sent out so far to people at the alleged gatherings, which have to be completed and returned within seven days.
A No 10 source said on Monday evening that Prime Minister Boris Johnson has not been interviewed.
Investigators have started reviewing all available evidence but have not yet made any referrals for potential fines to be issued.
The Met said in a statement: "In addition to the detailed review of all available material, including returned questionnaires, detectives from the Operation Hillman investigation team have started interviewing key witnesses.
"This investigation involves a significant amount of investigative material; the serving of over 100 questionnaires and the need to individually assess every response.
Boris Johnson 'confident' he did not break the law over Partygate
"The offences under consideration comprise a number of elements and the legislation itself changed between the event dates. We are progressing the investigation as quickly as possible
"As yet, we have not made any referrals to the ACRO Criminal Records Office for the issuing of fixed penalty notices.
"However, every questionnaire response is being assessed alongside all available evidence, and should this reach the evidential threshold, then referrals will be made."
The force is investigating 12 events, including as many as six which Mr Johnson is reported to have attended.
As of around a month ago, more than 50 questionnaires had been sent out - a figure that is now out of date.
The Met said: "As a result of responses so far, further individuals have been identified and questionnaires sent to them. As the investigation continues, we may need to contact more people as further information comes to light."
Mr Johnson has faced calls to resign over his attendance at some of the events under investigation.
