BORIS Johnson has been referred to police by the Cabinet Office over fresh allegations that he flouted coronavirus restrictions during the pandemic while serving as prime minister.
According to an investigation by The Times, the former PM’s ministerial diary reveals that friends visited Johnson while he was staying at Chequers – the official country retreat of serving prime ministers.
The Metropolitan Police and Thames Valley police have been informed about these visits as well as new allegations relating to his behaviour in Downing Street.
The privileges committee, which is currently investigating claims that Johnson misled parliament by holding lockdown-breaking parties, has also been informed.
A spokesperson for Boris Johnson denied any wrongdoing and called the referral “politically motivated”.
They said: “Some abbreviated entries in Mr Johnson’s official diary were queried by the Cabinet Office during preparation for the Covid inquiry.
“Following an examination of the entries, Mr Johnson’s lawyers wrote to the Cabinet Office and privileges committee explaining that the events were lawful and were not breaches of any Covid regulations.”
They added that the referral was a “clearly politically motivated attempt to manufacture something out of nothing.”
A Cabinet Office spokesman said: “Information came to light during the process of preparing evidence for submission to the Covid inquiry. It was identified as part of the normal disclosure review of potentially relevant documents being undertaken by the legal team for inquiry witnesses.
“In line with obligations in the civil service code, this material has been passed to the relevant authorities and it is now a matter for them.” The development will intensify pressure on Johnson, who is already fighting for his political future. The privileges committee is due to report back next month and if it recommends suspending the prime minister for more than ten days, he could face a by-election.”
