Boris Johnson and chancellor Rishi Sunak have apologised after being issued fixed penalty notices by the police over attending a surprise birthday gathering for the prime minister during lockdown.
No 10 issued a statement earlier to confirm the pair had been fined in connection with the 19 June 2020 event, with Mr Johnson insisting it “did not occur to” him at the time that he had broken the rules.
Speaking at his countryside retreat Chequers, the PM also made clear that he had no intention of resigning after becoming the first sitting UK prime minister ever to be found by police to have broken the law. “It is my job to get on and deliver for the people of this country and that’s what I’m going to do,” he said despite calls for him to go.
Mr Sunak echoed his boss’ sentiments in a delayed statement, offering “an unreserved apology” but making it clear he would not resign.“Like the prime minister, I am focused on delivering for the British people at this challenging time,” the chancellor said.
