Police investigating Tory Partygate 'jingle and mingle' bash after Mirror video
Scotland Yard has reopened its probe into a boozy lockdown bash at Tory HQ after the Mirror published a bombshell video of the event.
The jaw-dropping footage showed Conservative party staff drinking, dancing and laughing at Covid rules during a "jingle and mingle" party in December 2020.
The Metropolitan Police closed its inquiries into the party last year without issuing any fines.
But after the Mirror handed over the explosive video of the gathering last month, police decided to reopen its investigation.
The force has also opened a new probe into a birthday bash for the wife of senior Tory Sir Bernard Jenkin in December 2020.
Tories drink, dance and laugh at Covid rules in first ever Partygate video
But both the Met and Thames Valley Police said they will drop their inquiries into further Partygate allegations against Boris Johnson.
Police issued 126 fines as part of the original Partygate investigation, which included fixed penalty notices for Mr Johnson and his wife Carrie, and the now Prime Minister Rishi Sunak
A picture of the Tory HQ party in December 2020, including failed Tory mayoral candidate Shaun BaileyPressure had been mounting on the Met from to re-investigate the Christmas party at Tory HQ since the Mirror published the footage, which enraged bereaved families.
In a statement tonight, the force said: "Following assessment of new evidence that was not previously provided to officers, 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."
At least 24 partygoers were at the CCHQ bash, including two people handed gongs in Mr Johnson’s controversial resignation honours list.
Mr Bailey will be installed in the House of Lords as a life peer within weeks. Calls were made tonight for the PM to step in to stop him becoming a peer.
Lib Dem deputy leader Daisy Cooper said: "Rishi Sunak needs to confirm he will call for honours to be stripped from anyone found to have broken the law. Anything less would make a complete mockery of his pledge to lead with integrity.
“He should also step in to stop Shaun Bailey from taking his seat as a peer while this investigation takes place."
Mr Bailey previously claimed he "toodled off" to appear on BBC Newsnight before the party was in full swing.
The pair of aides were filmed dancing to The Pogues' Christmas hit 'Fairytale of New York'
Malin Bogue, in red dress, and Jack Smith, were filmed dancing in the videoBut time-stamped evidence revealed that he remained in the same building for more than an hour after the footage was shot.
'The Metropolitan Police must act on nasty video from Partygate gathering'
Mr Bailey admitted to staying in the building until at least 9.15pm – more than an hour after the video was made – but said he was not at the event at that time. Asked about his earlier claims, Mr Bailey’s lawyers said he had been “unintentionally inaccurate".
Tory aide Ben Mallet, filmed holding a glass of red wine and wearing festive braces, was handed an OBE by Mr Johnson.
The exclusive footage shows revellers drinking and chatting, while two aides span around past a Covid warning sign, saying “Please keep your distance”.
The unsteady pair, named as Malin Bogue and Jack Smith, crashed into a buffet table laden with food and knocked over wine glasses as they danced to The Pogues’ 'Fairytale of New York'.
Ms Bogue, along with Mr Mallet, both work for Tory mayoral hopeful Moz Hossain, who has faced pressure to dismiss them.
He recently told the Daily Mail: "Like everybody else I was very disappointed.
"I suffered tragedy during Covid like other people. I've spoken to them and they are full of remorse. I like to give people second chances."
Another man, when he sees he is being recorded, can be heard saying: “Oh Christ.” Another asks: “Are you filming this?” Someone else responds: “It’s for party, erm, party use.”
A man then laughs after declaring: “As long as we are not streaming that we’re, like, bending the rules.”
Shaun Bailey, the failed Tory candidate to be London mayor, is set to be installed in the House of Lords within weeks (AFP via Getty Images)The force said it would also investigation "potential breaches of the [Covid] regulations at an event on 8 December 2020", relating to a birthday celebration for Anne Jenkin, the wife of Privileges Committee member Sir Bernard Jenkin.
Sir Bernard said: "It is not appropriate to comment on a continuing investigation."
But Mr Johnson will escape another investigation into lockdown bashes as evidence handed to police "do not meet the retrospective criteria for opening an investigation".
The shamed ex-PM was reported to the police by the Cabinet Office after his official diaries have revealed 16 more gatherings at No10 and Chequers that may have broken lockdown rules.
Government lawyers preparing his defence for the Covid Inquiry raised concerns about entries between June 2020 and May 2021 that suggested Covid guidance may not have been followed.
But Mr Johnson's lawyers insisted that “each event was lawful” because it was either for work purposes, was allowed under the rule of six, took place outside, or was permitted under rules for those who were pregnant or needed help with childcare.
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