‘One law for the rich’: Met accused of ‘deferential’ policing over Partygate
Force did not quiz Boris Johnson about lockdown breaches before deciding not to fine him
Scotland Yard has been accused of “deferential policing” after admitting not questioning Boris Johnson before deciding not to fine the prime minister for attending two lockdown-breaching gatherings in Downing Street.
The Metropolitan Police issued fixed-penalty notices (FPNs) earlier this year to attendees at the two events at No. 10 in November and December 2020.
But “despite the prime minister giving speeches at both of the wine-fuelled gatherings”, he was not included in the round of Partygate penalties, said The Independent.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
And although evidence considered by the Met’s Operation Hillman inquiry included a picture of Johnson raising a glass of wine at one of the events, the force did not send him a questionnaire about his involvement.
Downing Street “has previously briefed that Johnson did not receive police questionnaires relating to some lockdown events”, but the latest revelation “is thought to be the first time the Metropolitan Police has admitted this, under details released as part of a legal challenge”, said The Guardian.
Johnson “received a single £50 fine” in April for breaking Covid laws at a birthday party thrown for him in June 2020, the paper added.
Judicial review
The Met’s admission came in response to a judicial review of the force’s investigation of Johnson’s presence at lockdown parties. The review was brought by non-profit legal campaign group The Good Law Project (GLP).
“The public has a right to know what really went on inside the Partygate investigation,” said a statement on GLP website. “The Met’s actions have raised grave concerns about the deferential way in which they are policing those in power.”
Although the Met has admitted to not sending Johnson questionnaires about the two 2020 gatherings, the force has continued “to fail to provide any explanation of how they cleared the prime minister”, the statement added.
Trust problem
“This [case] continues to be about what it was always about: trust in policing and the rule of law,” GLP director Jo Maugham told The Guardian. “Seventy-two per cent of voters think there is one law for the rich and another for the poor. Why won’t the Met address that perception?”
In June, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary announced that the Met was being placed on special measures. The move followed “a number of high-profile scandals, including the overzealous policing of a vigil in memory of Sarah Everard and reports of racism and misogyny within its ranks”, reported The National.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Elliott Goat is a freelance writer at The Week Digital. A winner of The Independent's Wyn Harness Award, he has been a journalist for over a decade with a focus on human rights, disinformation and elections. He is co-founder and director of Brussels-based investigative NGO Unhack Democracy, which works to support electoral integrity across Europe. A Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellow focusing on unions and the Future of Work, Elliott is a founding member of the RSA's Good Work Guild and a contributor to the International State Crime Initiative, an interdisciplinary forum for research, reportage and training on state violence and corruption.
-
Who actually needs life insurance?
The Explainer If you have kids or are worried about passing on debt, the added security may be worth it
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
-
Sexual wellness trends to know, from products and therapies to retreats and hotels
The Week Recommends Talking about pleasure and sexual health is becoming less taboo
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
Is the AI bubble deflating?
Today's Big Question Growing skepticism and high costs prompt reconsideration
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Is David Cameron overshadowing Rishi Sunak?
Talking Point Current PM faces 'thorny dilemma' as predecessor enjoys return to world stage
By The Week UK Published
-
Less than total recall
Editor's Letter Why our brains want to forget the darkest days of the pandemic
By Theunis Bates Published
-
'A wonky bureaucratic tweak has dramatically changed how Americans drive'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Will Aukus pact survive a second Trump presidency?
Today's Big Question US, UK and Australia seek to expand 'game-changer' defence partnership ahead of Republican's possible return to White House
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Can Boris Johnson save Rishi Sunak?
Today's Big Question Former PM could 'make the difference' between losing the next election and annihilation
By The Week UK Published
-
It's the economy, Sunak: has 'Rishession' halted Tory fightback?
Today's Big Question PM's pledge to deliver economic growth is 'in tatters' as stagnation and falling living standards threaten Tory election wipeout
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Why your local council may be going bust
The Explainer Across England, local councils are suffering from grave financial problems
By The Week UK Published
-
Rishi Sunak and the right-wing press: heading for divorce?
Talking Point The Telegraph launches 'assault' on PM just as many Tory MPs are contemplating losing their seats
By Keumars Afifi-Sabet, The Week UK Published