Police reopening investigation and launch fresh probe into partygate allegations | UK News

The Metropolitan Police have reopened one of their Partygate investigations and launched a fresh probe.

In a press release, the force said: “The Met is now re-opening an investigation into potential breaches of the regulations at an event in Matthew Parker Street on 14 December 2020.”

That December date is the same day that footage was taken showing workers on Shaun Bailey’s 2021 London mayoral campaign dancing and mingling while the capital was in Tier 2 of COVID restrictions.

The force added: “Following assessment of material relating to a gathering in Parliament, the Met is opening an investigation into potential breaches of the Regulations at an event on 8 December 2020.”

That event was a birthday party held for Baroness Jenkin – wife of senior Conservative MP Sir Bernard Jenkin – in Parliament on 8 December 2020.

The Metropolitan Police previously issued 126 Fixed Penalty Notice (FPNs) referrals following a probe into claims of Covid rule breaching parties at Downing Street and Whitehall – an investigation named Operation Hillman.

A Conservative Party spokesperson said: “Senior CCHQ staff became aware of an unauthorised social gathering in the basement of Matthew Parker Street organised by the Bailey campaign on the evening of 14th December 2020.

“Formal disciplinary action was taken against the four CCHQ staff who were seconded to the Shaun Bailey campaign.”

Mr Bailey previously apologised “unreservedly” after a video emerged of his staff partying in lockdown and that he was “very upset” to see the footage.

Mr Bailey – who was running to replace Sadiq Khan in the 2021 London mayoral contest – had previously been pictured at the event but was not seen in the most recent footage.