CHANCELLOR Rishi Sunak has received a questionnaire from the Metropolitan Police as part of the force’s investigation into alleged gatherings that took place whilst Covid-19 restrictions were in place.
Boris Johnson has also received a questionnaire which he has submitted.
ITV News obtained a copy of the document which asked staff to provide police with a “lawful exception” or “reasonable excuse” for the parties which took place in lockdown.
NEW: Rishi Sunak has received a questionnaire from Met Police as part of 'partygate' investigation.
— Pippa Crerar (@PippaCrerar) February 24, 2022
The Chancellor was present at the PM's birthday party in Cabinet Room on 19 June, 2020. He has previously claimed he was on his way to a Covid meeting.
The questionnaire makes it clear that the recipient is filling out the document under caution.
The Met has sent out the forms to more than 50 people under Operation Hillman, which is looking into eight reported gatherings.
It is also understood the Met Police are investigating around 300 photos of the alleged parties.
There are around a dozen questions on the leaked document, which include:
- “Did you participate in a gathering on a specific date"
- “What was the purpose of your participation in that gathering”
- “Did you interact with, or undertake any activity with, other persons present at the gathering. If yes, please provide details”
- "What time did you attend?"
- "What time did you leave?"
- "What reasonable excuse did you have for participating?"
- “What, if any, lawful exception applied to the gathering and/or what reasonable excuse did you have for participating in the gathering?”
The questionnaire can be responded to in three ways:
- Remain silent and answer no questions
- Provide an answer to the written questions in the attached document
- Provide a prepared statement in your own words
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