It is now official that Covid laws were broken at the heart of Boris Johnson ’s Government after police issued an initial 20 fines over lockdown gatherings.
The PM’s continued denials are the brazen deceit of a charlatan who refutes the truth – because accepting reality would confirm he deliberately misled Parliament, an offence that should require his resignation.
Mr Johnson created a reckless culture in Downing Street where drinks flowed, adding insult to the injury endured by a country largely obeying the laws his regime flouted.
Scotland Yard must name and identify the positions of those fined in the public interest. But it is dishonourable of the PM to let others carry the can when he sets the tone in No10.
When the Mirror first revealed Partygate, Johnson lied and denied verifiable facts.
And he’s as dishonest now as he was then.
This leopard can’t change its spots.
Queen’s gaffe
The heartfelt pain of the Queen was clear at the memorial service for Prince Philip during what should have been a joyful Platinum Jubilee year.
Her determination to attend the ceremony was inspiring when age and Covid have taken their toll on the health of a remarkable woman who will be 96 next month.
However, there was surprise over the controversial choice of disgraced son Andrew escorting her in and out of Westminster Abbey.
His role, so soon after he settled a £12million civil sex case, will strike many as a mistake.
Giving the role to Charles, Anne, Edward, William or virtually anybody else in the family would have avoided criticism.
A sorry state
Will Smith apologised to Chris Rock for hitting him so stripping him of his Best Actor Oscar would be a step too far.
Smith may deserve more than a slap on the wrist but let’s keep a sense of proportion when sex offenders Roman Polanski and Harvey Weinstein got to keep their trophies.