Durham Police has confirmed it is not investigating claims the Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer broke lockdown rules on a visit to the area last year.
Tory MP Richard Holden had urged the force to reopen its inquiry into a visit Sir Keir made to Durham City in the run-up to April 2021's Hartlepool by-election where he was videoed drinking a bottle of beer inside.
Mr Holden, who represents North West Durham, had urged the force to reconsider in light of the Metropolitan Police's decision to fine Prime Minister Boris Johnson for attending his birthday bash in Downing Street.
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In a statement issued by Durham Police it said it had received “a number of further communications”, which it will respond to in due course, but that it was not currently investigating the matter.
In February Durham Police said no further action would be taken. Sir Keir has repeatedly insisted he did nothing wrong.
Durham Police's statement said: “Earlier this year, Durham Constabulary undertook a review of video footage recorded in Durham on April 30, 2021. We stated that we did not believe an offence has been established in relation to the legislation and guidance in place at the time the footage was taken and would therefore take no further action in relation to the matter.
“We have since received a number of further communications relating to this matter and will now consider the contents of those communications and respond in due course. For clarity, Durham Constabulary is not currently investigating this incident.”
Durham’s Labour Police and Crime Commissioner wanted to leave the matter to the force. Joy Allen said: “This is an operational matter and as such I have left the force to deal with the investigation as it is their job and I do not, and will not, interfere.”
Mary Foy, the City of Durham MP whose office Sir Keir was visiting, was approached for comment but media requests were directed to the Labour Party press team, who did not respond to a request for a statement.
Labour previously said the incident where the leader was filmed drinking a beer was a “work event”.
