Inquiry into lockdown-busting No 10 parties to be ‘paused’ if police investigate, minister warns

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The inquiry into lockdown-busting No 10 parties will be “paused” if the police investigate, a minister says – potentially giving Boris Johnson breathing space. Mr Ellis was asked if he will resign if he is found to have broken the law, but told MPs: “It’s an entirely hypothetical position – the prime minister is going nowhere.” “The prime minster retains the confidence of the people of this country,” the paymaster general added – to laughter in the Commons. Mr Ellis also refused to reveal whether he had asked if Mr Johnson attended the party, before being sent to face questions about it, telling MPs: “I’m not going to disclose personal conversations.” On Monday night, Scotland Yard said it is “in contact with the Cabinet Office’ about “alleged breaches of the Health Protection Regulations at Downing Street on 20 May 2020”. Mr Ellis told MPs: “If evidence emerges of what was a potentially criminal offence the matter would be referred to the Metropolitan Police and the Cabinet Office’s work may be paused.” Angela Rayner, Labour’s deputy leader, told Mr Ellis: “There’s no need for an investigation into the simple central question today: did the prime minister attend the event in the Downing Street garden on 20 May 2020?