UK police chief defends decision-making over 'partygate' fines

FILE PHOTO: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures in 10 Downing Street during gathering on the departure of a special adviser, in London, Britain November 13, 2020 in this picture obtained from civil servant Sue Gray's report published on May 25, 2022. Sue Gray Report / gov.uk/Handout via REUTERS

The acting head of London's Metropolitan Police on Thursday defended his investigation into COVID-19 lockdown-busting parties at the heart of government, responding to earlier criticism from the British capital's Mayor Sadiq Khan.

Earlier this week Khan, who has oversight of policing in London, demanded an explanation from police over how they decided who to fine for events in Prime Minister Boris Johnson's offices that broke lockdown rules.