Police investigating parties held during lockdown in Downing Street and the Cabinet Office will soon issue an initial set of fines, reports say.
The Guardian said it understood the fixed penalty notices will be issued “imminently”, although a government source told PA that it would not be on Monday night.
The force is investigating 12 events, including as many as six that Prime Minister Boris Johnson is said to have attended.
Last week it emerged that detectives investigating the parties had begun interviewing key witnesses.
The Met said at that time more than 100 questionnaires had so far been sent out to people at the reported gatherings.
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UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s inner circle has been hit after five aides quit Downing Street. Chief of Staff Dan Rosenfield, above, resigned. PA -
The resignation of Mr Johnson’s principal private secretary, Martin Reynolds, left, was also confirmed on a day of turmoil. AFP -
Director of communications Jack Doyle resigned earlier on Thursday. PA -
Munira Mirza, one of Mr Johnson’s most loyal and long-standing advisers, walked out over his use of a 'scurrilous' smear involving Jimmy Savile against Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. PA -
Elena Narozanski has become the second adviser to quit the No.10 policy unit. PA -
The resignations have thrown the Prime Minister's leadership into further crisis. Getty Images
There was no official update from Downing Street or the Cabinet Office on Monday evening.
ITV’s Anushka Asthana said she had been told the first wave of fines could include “around 20 names”.
“We’re not giving a running commentary and I would refer you to our statement from March 21 which is still on our website.” the Metropolitan Police said.
That statement revealed detectives had started to interview people as witnesses as part of their inquiries.
“As yet, we have not made any referrals to the ACRO Criminal Records Office for the issuing of fixed penalty notices,” it said.
