World

UK police mull review after PM pic emerges

By AAP Newswire

Feb 10, 2022

UK police say they are reviewing a decision not to investigate a gathering held in UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Downing Street office during COVID-19 lockdowns after a new photograph emerged of the event.

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The police were already investigating 12 gatherings held at Johnson's office and residence after an internal inquiry concluded his staff had enjoyed alcohol-fuelled parties in Downing Street, with the leader attending a few of the events himself.

Johnson has apologised for the conduct and vowed to change the culture.

While reviewing the allegations, the police rejected four gatherings, including one which involved an online Christmas quiz on December 15.

However the Mirror tabloid published a new picture on Wednesday of the event, which showed Johnson stood by two members of staff, one who is wearing tinsel around his neck, next to an open bottle of champagne.

London's Metropolitan Police said they had previously assessed the event and decided that it did not meet the threshold for criminal investigation.

"That assessment is now being reviewed," a spokesperson said.

The revelations around Johnson have raised questions about his judgement and caused some members of his own party to call for him to resign.

The police investigation is ongoing and the full internal report by senior official Sue Gray will be published once the police have completed their inquiry.