Boris Johnson came out fighting today after police dramatically launched an investigation into Partygate – raising the possibility he could be the first ever PM convicted of a crime in office.
Mr Johnson again denied breaking the law after Scotland Yard chief Dame Cressida Dick announced that the force will probe lockdown breaches in Downing Street and Whitehall over the past two years.
But the row has reached a new level, with staff and even the PM facing questions from police rather than civil servants.
Top mandarin Sue Gray has been carrying out a separate inquiry, which will continue and might even publish some conclusions shortly.
However, in a boon for the premier it will not not now look at any potentially criminal activity, even though the Met seemingly has no objection.
In the Commons, Mr Johnson said he welcomed the police move, saying it could give the public ‘clarity’ and ‘draw a line’ under the allegations.
In a brief reference before making a statement on Ukraine, he insisted the government would remain ‘100 per cent focused on dealing with the people’s priorities’.
The PM’s spokesman insisted he will ‘cooperate fully’ if required to be interviewed.
