What happens now that the PM and chancellor have been fined over partygate?

Boris Johnson has paid a fine from police for breaking COVID regulations, while Rishi Sunak has also been told he will receive a fixed penalty notice.

Sky’s deputy political editor Sam Coates looks at what happens now it has been confirmed that the prime minister and chancellor broke COVID laws the government introduced during the pandemic.

PM says it ‘didn’t occur to me’ birthday event was against the rules – partygate live updates

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Do we know how much the prime minister and chancellor have been fined?

We know Boris and Carrie Johnson have been fined £50 each and have paid the fixed penalty notices.

Sky News has also received confirmation Rishi Sunak has paid his fine.

Is the police investigation over – or could there be more fines?

Boris Johnson fined: Prime minister apologises after receiving fixed penalty notice for lockdown-breaking party

Rishi Sunak could put huge pressure on Boris Johnson if he quits over partygate fines

Boris Johnson, Carrie Johnson and Rishi Sunak to be fined over lockdown-breaking parties in Downing Street

The police investigation is ongoing – so more fines are possible, including for the PM.

Is there any prospect of the PM quitting?

Today he declared he has no intention to. He seems unwilling to want to go voluntarily.

Whether the Tory party – MPs or cabinet – decide otherwise remains to be seen.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

There isn’t the same febrile mood as early February but political currents wax and wain quickly – there is a long way for this story to run.

It may prove toxic – or it may prove repetitive and less consequential, we don’t know yet

Could Rishi Sunak try and make things more difficult for the PM and resign?

He could. It would get very difficult for Mr Johnson if Mr Sunak quit.

But he hasn’t yet – and in a statement, he said he was “focused on delivering for the British people at this challenging time”, which signals he will not resign.

What does the latest polling say about the potential impact of the fines?

The Tories have recovered a little since the lows of partygate but Labour is still in front.

It’s too early to properly judge how important people feel this is, against other issues.

Are the cabinet rolling in behind the prime minister?

Cabinet colleagues have begun to line up in Mr Johnson’s defence.

Michael Gove, Nadine Dorries, Oliver Dowden, Jacob Rees-Mogg, Grant Shapps and Liz Truss, among others, have all offered the prime minister their backing.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

What is the current mood amongst Tory MPs?

Uncertain. Careful because of imminent local elections. Wary of judging too fast. Weary of having to field more questions about the PM and trust.

What options do the prime minister and chancellor have available to them now?

Mr Johnson will try and tough it out. We wait to see what Mr Sunak says.

Could parliament be recalled even if the government wants to avoid it?

There are only two weekdays before parliament returns anyway.

Will the full Sue Gray report now be published?

Yes – several weeks after the police conclude their investigation which hasn’t happened yet.

Read Entire Article