Boris Johnson has been referred to the police by the Cabinet Office over fresh claims he broke lockdown rules.
The Mirror reports that the former prime minister's diary recorded visits from friends at his official country residence, Chequers, on a number of occasions while restrictions were in place. The Cabinet Office has made referrals to Thames Valley Police, as well as to the Metropolitan Police over new alleged breaches in Downing Street.
However, it is understood that Mr Johnson has been advised by lawyers that the events were lawful and broke no rules. His team says that Johnson, who quit as PM in July last year and stood down in September, has not been contacted by cops.
A spokesperson for the ex-PM 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."
A spokesperson for the Thames Valley force told the Times: "On Thursday we received a report of potential breaches of the Health Protection Regulations between June 2020 and May 2021 at Chequers, Buckinghamshire. We are currently assessing this information."
The Metropolitan Police also told the newspaper: "We are in receipt of information from the Cabinet Office passed to us on 19 May 2023, which we are currently assessing. It relates to potential breaches of the Health Protection Regulations between June 2020 and May 2021 at Downing Street."
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