Police will investigate claims of lockdown-flouting parties in Downing Street, the Metropolitan Police chief has said.
Dame Cressida Dick confirmed that her officers will investigate "a number of events" where Covid lockdown rules were allegedly broken in No 10 and Whitehall.
She insisted that the Met "police without fear or favour" when challenged about why Scotland Yard hasn't investigated reports of No 10 parties to date.
The force has previously resisted calls to probe allegations of Covid rule-breaking in Government.
Instead, an inquiry is being done by top civil servant Sue Gray, which is now expected to delay publication until the Met has concluded its investigation.
Dame Cressida said: "I absolutely understand there is deep public concern about the allegations that have been in the media over the last several weeks.
"Many many people including many Londoners, and indeed my colleagues have made huge sacrifices and they've suffered considerable loss during the pandemic."
Dame Cressida told the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee that the police had been provided evidence by the Cabinet Office inquiry team, led by Whitehall enforcer Sue Gray.
"We have a long-established and effective working relationship with the Cabinet Office, who have an investigative capability," she said.
"As you well know they have been carrying out an investigation over the last few weeks.
"What I can tell you this morning is that as a result of the information provided by the Cabinet Office inquiry team and, secondly, my officers' own assessment, I can confirm that the Met is now investigating a number of events that took place at Downing Street and Whitehall in the last two years in relation to potential breaches of Covid-19 regulations."
Dame Cressida refused to say which parties were being investigated, except that there were multiple events being looked at.
She said: "The fact that we are now investigating does not, of course, mean that fixed penalty notices will necessarily be issued in every instance and to every person involved.
"We will not be giving a running commentary on our current investigations."
But there will be updates at "significant points", she added.
The explosive news raised questions over the timescale of Sue Gray's inquiry, which had been expected this week.
A Cabinet Office spokesperson said: "The investigation being carried out by Sue Gray is continuing.
"There is in ongoing contact with the Metropolitan Police Service."
The Mirror understands she will not publish her report while the Met are investigating.
