The Metropolitan Police’s latest update reveals two things: the sheer size and the culture of government.
For months, Covid-19 law-breaking was taking place, involving a lot of people, right at Boris Johnson’s heart.
Today, the police spoke few words. However, there were many.
This law-breaking was not unusual, uncharacteristic or isolated.
We believe that only four of the 12 gatherings under investigation by the police have resulted in fines. There is plenty of potential for more, even for the prime minister.
You might feel outraged by reading about this. You might find it trivial, or you may be outraged by it all.
I think that this latest skimp load of fines doesn’t change much politically.
There were many more fines due to the extent of partying that was taking place in Westminster.
The prime minister has not been fined yet again, which is crucial. It’s not surprising, considering that most of the newer fines were triggered by a December 2020 Christmas party, which Mr Johnson was not at.
However, there are other events that the police are investigating.
This is clear.
Remember that Conservative MPs can kick him out at their discretion. They don’t seem to have the desire right now.
My boiling anger from a few months back has subsided, and I don’t think it would change much if he was fined again.
Perhaps he could wallpaper his Cabinet Room with Fixed Penalty Notices, and the total amount of fines continues ballooning, that would change the mood.
Labour believes that the prime minister must step down immediately.
However, the party’s criticism of the government has become more pronounced than ever before. Labour leader Sir Keir Sternmer is currently under investigation by police.
We know that the fate of the Labour leader is in the hands of Durham’s police force. The prime minister’s fate could be shaped by the London police.
The political consequences of Partygate are far from certain.
