Scotland Yard is now investigating 'a number of events' in Downing Street and Whitehall in relation to potential coronavirus regulation breaches, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick said.
The police will look into allegations that Downing Street held a 'number of events' including claims that there was a BYOB gathering, a Christmas knees up and a birthday party for the PM himself.
Dick told the London Assembly’s Police and Crime Committee: “We have a long-established and effective working relationship with the Cabinet Office, who have an investigative capability.
“As you well know they have been carrying out an investigation over the last few weeks.
“What I can tell you this morning is that as a result of the information provided by the Cabinet Office inquiry team and, secondly, my officers’ own assessment, I can confirm that the Met is now investigating a number of events that took place at Downing Street and Whitehall in the last two years in relation to potential breaches of Covid-19 regulations.”
One of the most recent allegations is that there was a birthday celebrations inside No 10 during the first coronavirus lockdown.
Downing Street conceded staff 'gathered briefly' in the Cabinet Room following a meeting after it was alleged 30 people attended and shared cake despite social mixing indoors being banned.
ITV News reported the Prime Minister’s wife Carrie Johnson had organised the surprise get-together complete with a chorus of 'happy birthday' on the afternoon of 19 June 2020.
A Downing Street spokesperson said: “A group of staff working in No 10 that day gathered briefly in the Cabinet Room after a meeting to wish the Prime Minister a happy birthday. He was there for less than 10 minutes.”
It has also been said that later that evening family friends were hosted upstairs to further celebrate the Prime Minister’s 56th birthday in his official residence. These are allegations that have been completely denied.
No 10 said: “This is totally untrue. In line with the rules at the time the Prime Minister hosted a small number of family members outside that evening.”
Chancellor Rishi Sunak was understood to have briefly attended as the gathering was breaking up as he entered the room to attend a Covid strategy meeting.
Sue Gray was already aware of the birthday party allegations and therefore their emergence will not delay the publication of her inquiry, which is still expected this week.
Rebecca Shepherd