Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer will face a police investigation over allegations he broke lockdown rules by having a bottle of beer and a curry last year.
Durham Police had previously said they did not believe the Labour leader had breached coronavirus rules when he and colleagues drank beer and had a takeaway curry in April 2021, when most indoor social gatherings were banned.
But following days of pressure from Tory MPs and repeated questions over Sir Keir's version of events, the force has announced it will now investigate the claims fully.
In a statement, the force said: “Earlier this year, Durham Constabulary carried out an assessment as to whether Covid-19 regulations had been breached at a gathering in Durham City on April 30 2021. At that time, it was concluded that no offence had been established and therefore no further action would be taken.
“Following the receipt of significant new information over recent days, Durham Constabulary has reviewed that position and now, following the conclusion of the pre-election period, we can confirm that an investigation into potential breaches of Covid-19 regulations relating to this gathering is now being conducted.”
A Labour Party spokesperson said: “We’re obviously happy to answer any questions there are and we remain clear that no rules were broken.”
Durham MP Richard Holden, who has led the charge urging police to investigate, said: "I’m delighted that the police have finally come to this conclusion.
"After seeing all the evidence so far, I think it’s the only reasonable conclusion anybody could have come to.
"After denying that there should be any investigation for weeks, I’m glad that the actions of the Labour leader, the deputy leader and the senior staff will now be properly looked at. I await the outcome of their enquiries."
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