Sir Keir Starmer has clashed with the Prime Minister after police announced 20 fines over partygate – saying the investigation had found “widespread criminality” and asking why the PM had not resigned.

The Labour leader took Boris Johnson to task over his initial response to the affair, when he denied that rules had been broken.

Scotland Yard said on Tuesday that 20 fixed penalties were to be issued after its investigation into lockdown breaches in Downing Street and Whitehall in 2020 and 2021 – and more could follow.

Speaking at the first session of the weekly Prime Minister’s Questions to be held after the Met’s decision, Sir Keir said of Mr Johnson: “He told the house no rules were broken in Downing Street during lockdown.

“The police have now concluded there was widespread criminality.”

The Labour leader said that according to the ministerial code, ministers who knowingly mislead the House of Commons should resign and asked “why is he still here?”

Mr Johnson responded by accusing Sir Keir – who he called a “human weathervane” – of changing his mind over whether he ought to quit.

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He added: “Of course, the Met, the investigators must get on with their job but in the meantime we are going to get on with our job.”

The PM said that meant focusing on issue such as the cost of living, energy supply and education.

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