‘One law for the rich’: Met accused of ‘deferential’ policing over Partygate

​Scotland Yard has been accused of “deferential policing” after admitting not questioning Boris Johnson before deciding not to fine the prime minister for attending two lockdown-breaching gatherings in Downing Street.

The Metropolitan Police issued fixed-penalty notices (FPNs) earlier this year to attendees at the two events at No. 10 in November and December 2020.

But “despite the prime minister giving speeches at both of the wine-fuelled gatherings”, he was not included in the round of Partygate penalties, said The Independent.

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And although evidence considered by the Met’s Operation Hillman inquiry included a picture of Johnson raising a glass of wine at one of the events, the force did not send him a questionnaire about his involvement.

Downing Street “has previously briefed that Johnson did not receive police questionnaires relating to some lockdown events”, but the latest revelation “is thought to be the first time the Metropolitan Police has admitted this, under details released as part of a legal challenge”, said The Guardian.

Johnson “received a single £50 fine” in April for breaking Covid laws at a birthday party thrown for him in June 2020, the paper added.

Judicial review

The Met’s admission came in response to a judicial review of the force’s investigation of Johnson’s presence at lockdown parties. The review was brought by non-profit legal campaign group The Good Law Project (GLP).

“The public has a right to know what really went on inside the Partygate investigation,” said a statement on GLP website. “The Met’s actions have raised grave concerns about the deferential way in which they are policing those in power.”

Although the Met has admitted to not sending Johnson questionnaires about the two 2020 gatherings, the force has continued “to fail to provide any explanation of how they cleared the prime minister”, the statement added.

Trust problem

“This [case] continues to be about what it was always about: trust in policing and the rule of law,” GLP director Jo Maugham told The Guardian. “Seventy-two per cent of voters think there is one law for the rich and another for the poor. Why won’t the Met address that perception?”

In June, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary announced that the Met was being placed on special measures. The move followed “a number of high-profile scandals, including the overzealous policing of a vigil in memory of Sarah Everard and reports of racism and misogyny within its ranks”, reported The National.