Boris Johnson and finance minister among those fined over lockdown-breaking parties

According to a Downing Street spokesperson speaking to CNN on Tuesday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson as well as his finance minister Rishi Sunak have been fined by police for their lockdown-breaking parties held on U.K. government property.

London’s Metropolitan Police said earlier that day they had handed out more than 50 fines so far.

Those fines are coming as part of their “Operation Hillman” investigation into group gatherings that were held on government premises in both Downing Street and Whitehall as the rest of the country was being forced to live under strict restrictions due to the pandemic.

When news of the parties broke, there was national outrage. The issuance of those fines confirms that Johnson and Sunak were guilty of breaking the Covid-19 laws instituted by their own government.

Johnson had previously denied that some of the parties had been held, and he insisted all guidance was being followed. On Tuesday night, Johnson gave an apology for breaking the lockdown expectations, and he said he paid the fine issued by the police.

“Today I’ve received a fixed penalty notice from the Metropolitan Police relating to an event in Downing Street on the 19th of June 2020. Let me say immediately that I paid the fine and I once again offer a full apology,” Johnson noted on Sky News.

Sunak also issued his own apology on Tuesday evening, saying he paid the fine as well. “I deeply regret the frustration and anger caused and I am sorry. I understand that for figures in public office, the rules must be applied stringently in order to maintain public confidence. I respect the decision that has been made,” Sunak commented.

According to previous reports, the two gatherings were held to celebrate Johnson’s birthday.