Boris Johnson will be fined over coronavirus lockdown parties
Prime Minister Boris Johnson (right) with Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak in Downing Street in London in December 2021. Photo: Daniel Leal/AFP via Getty Images
U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak will both be fined over attending Downing Street parties while Britain was under a strict lockdown in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic, according to the BBC.
Why it matters: Johnson faced a wave of backlash, even from members of his own party, earlier this year after evidence emerged of his attendance. He first denied then later confirmed and apologized for attending a lockdown-breaking party.
What they're saying: "Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak have broken the law and repeatedly lied to the British public," opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer tweeted Tuesday. "They must both resign."
- "The Conservatives are totally unfit to govern. Britain deserves better," he added.
- Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, tweeted Tuesday that Parliament should be recalled from its Easter break to hold a no confidence vote against Johnson.
The big picture: London's Metropolitan Police Service announced in January an investigation to determine if lawmakers, including Johnson, broke restrictions by attending the parties.
- Last month, the Met confirmed that it would issue at least 20 fines related to restriction violations but did not identify who would receive them.
Editor's note: This is a breaking news story and has been updated throughout.