The British Prime Minister and his wife and many officials were fined for gathering and partying when the whole country was in lockdown

British Prime Minister Johnson is still not free from troubles from gatherings at the mansion – Photo: REUTERS

On April 12, the London Police announced that it would send a total of 50 fines to a number of British Government officials for violating COVID-19 prevention regulations. The announcement did not specify whether there would be fines for those who sparked speculation that Prime Minister Johnson was on the list.

Hours later, a spokesman for the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Mr Johnson and Finance Minister Rishi Sunak had been notified by police of the decision.

A spokesman for the British Prime Minister’s wife later said that she Carrie Johnson received a similar notice from the police.

The announcement by the Prime Minister’s Office did not say who would pay the fine, which could range from £20 to £50.

According to the newspaper The Guardianpolice looked into 12 cases of mass gatherings at the Prime Minister’s Office and his residence during the UK’s nationwide blockade in 2020.

The incident caused anger in the British public because at this time people were forbidden to go out, not to gather in large numbers or to meet relatives and friends.

The British Prime Minister denied the pictures or information of parties at the mansion. However, he later admitted to attending a meeting with staff for about 25 minutes in the garden of the mansion. He claimed he thought this was part of his job but still apologized.

British Labor leader Keir Starmer called for both Mr Johnson and Mr Sunak to step down, saying people should question the prime minister’s honesty and integrity.

It remains unclear whether Prime Minister Johnson and those who received the fines will appeal the police decision to court.

According to The Guardianthe sanction of Mr. Johnson and officials could spark debate within the Conservative Party about his leadership.

At one point some 20-30 Conservative MPs asked for a vote of no confidence in Mr Johnson, but due to a lack of votes, the effort was shelved.