Boris Johnson has been referred to police by the Cabinet Office over NEW claims he broke lockdown rules.
Entries in the former PM's ministerial diary revealed friends visited his grace and favour house Chequers on several occasions between June 2020 and May 2021.
The visits to the 16th Century rural retreat in Buckinghamshire were brought to light during preparations for the Covid-19 public inquiry.
The Metropolitan Police and Thames Valley police has been passed over the concerns by the Cabinet Office.
Mr Johnson is currently awaiting the verdict of the Commons Privileges Committee over whether he misled Parliament when he originally denied boozy lockdown-busting parties - first revealed by the Mirror - took place in No10.
It is understood the committee has been told of the latest development.
According to Mr Johnson's team, the former PM has not been contacted by police and has been advised by lawyers that all of these events were lawful and in no way broke any restrictions.
Thames Valley police confirmed the investigation into the claims relating to Chequers - while the Met said it was looking into potential breaches at Downing Street.
Lawyers were given access to Mr Johnson's diary to help build his defence case in the public inquiry.
They became concerned after reviewing it and decided they were duty-bound to raise the potential breaches of lockdown rules to the Cabinet Office, according to the Times.
A Thames Valley spokesman 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 said: “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.”
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 privileges committee is due to report back next month and if it recommends suspending the prime minister for more than 10 days he could face a by-election.
A spokesman for the former prime minister 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.”
Mr Johnson has already been slapped with a penalty for breaking lockdown rules.
Following a probe by the Met, the then premier was fined in April last year for attending a gathering to mark his 56th birthday on June 19, 2020.
The Privileges Committee was due to publish its report next month but it is unclear if the latest development could hamper the timetable.
If MPs rule he misled Parliament, they could decide to suspend him from the Commons.
A ban of 10 days or more would almost certainly trigger a by-election in his Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency in North West London, where he has a fragile majority of 7,210.
Mr Johnson is thought to harbour dreams of a comeback to frontline politics, but any new investigation by police could hammer another nail into that coffin.
Lindsay Jackson, a spokeswoman for Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice, said “These revelations make a grim mockery of Boris Johnson’s claims that he didn’t break his own lockdown rules.
“He lied when he said to our faces that he’d done ‘all he could’ to protect our loved ones, he lied again when he said the rules hadn’t been broken in No10 and he’s lied over and over again since then when he’s denied it.
“He is totally unfit for any form of public service, never mind being the Prime Minister.
“His legacy is one of lying, complete contempt for the ordinary people he was supposed to protect, and above all presiding over the deaths of nearly 200,000 people.
“If he had any respect he’s quietly step back from public life and reflect on the pain and suffering he has inflicted on so many."
Lib Dem deputy leader Daisy Cooper said: “Johnson should finally do one decent thing and consider his position as an MP.”
What were lockdown rules between June 2020 and May 2021?
June - Some restrictions eased with people allowed to meet in groups of six outside and phased reopening of schools in England
July - Most restrictions lifted with pubs and restaurants reopening. However some places in Leicestershire experience the UK’s first local lockdowns.
August - Further restrictions eased with Eat Out to Help Out scheme launched and indoor theatres and bowling alleys opened
September - Rule of six comes into force, plus a return to working from home and a 10pm curfew for the hospitality sector
October - New three-tier system for different areas is put in place
November - Second national lockdown comes into force for one month
December - Return of stricter three-tier system - with a new tier 4 later cancelling Christmas for many
January - Third national lockdown begins
February - Hotel quarantine for travellers arriving from high-risk countries begins
March - Schools reopen and people allowed to meet in pairs in outdoor spaces. On the 29th, outdoor gatherings of either six people or two households allowed
April - Outdoor spaces in pubs and restaurants open, as well as shops, hairdressers and public buildings such as libraries and museums open
May - 30 people allowed to mix outdoors, plus rule of six or two households allowed for indoor socialising. Indoor venues including pubs and cinemas reopen. Up to 10,000 people allowed at outdoor venues such as football stadiums.
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