LONDON (Parliament Politics Magazine) – The Met’s survey asks respondents if they have a ‘reasonable excuse’ for attending lockdown gatherings.
The first look at a Partygate questionnaire indicates that Downing Street insiders are being interrogated under duress – and asked if they have a “legitimate cause” for attending lockdown-busting activities.
Boris Johnson is said to have already responded to the Metropolitan Police’s queries, claiming that he attended social parties in No 10 in work capacity.
ITV got a copy of one of the official questionnaires, which included the police warning: “You do not have to say anything but it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you subsequently rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence.”
Labour’s deputy leader Angela Rayner said that it was embarrassing that for the first time in the history of the UK a PM had been interviewed under police caution.
The leaked questionnaire shows that in addition to requesting the receiver to confirm their attendance at a specific event, they were also asked what was the aim of their involvement in that gathering? Did they interact with or engage in any activity with other people who were present? Provide details if yes.
Recipients were given the option of providing a “lawful exemption” or “reasonable excuse” for not being able to attend. Johnson is said to have employed a lawyer to assist him in drafting his reply, which Downing Street said was sent on time last Friday.
Some officials are still receiving questionnaires. The Metropolitan Police Service will next have to decide whether to issue fixed penalty notices to anyone who violates the lockdown regulations.
Evidence unearthed by senior civil servant Sue Gray, whose entire report on her probe won’t be published until the police have concluded their work, prompted the Met investigation into 12 social occasions, several of which the PM is known to have attended.
Johnson’s supporters believe he has a legal reason for attending events at No 10, which is both his home and job. “All guidance was followed completely,” he told MPs, denying rumours that parties had been thrown in Downing Street.
Receiving a fixed penalty notice for breaking regulations he drafted is unacceptably harsh for many backbenchers, and would almost certainly lead to more letters calling for a vote of no confidence.
If 54 such letters are sent to Graham Brady, the chair of the 1922 Committee, Johnson will face a vote of no confidence, and if he loses, his premiership will be finished.
