Rishi Sunak has offered an 'unreserved apology' after being fined for breaking lockdown rules - but indicated he won't be standing down. Earlier today (Tuesday) the Chancellor and Prime Minister were issued fixed penalty notices by the Met Police as part of an investigation into lockdown parties held at Downing Street.
Labour leader Keir Starmer has called for the pair to resign. But in a statement tonight Mr Sunak signalled he would be staying in the job.
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He said: "I can confirm I have received a fixed penalty notice from the Metropolitan Police with regards to a gathering held on June 19 in Downing Street. I offer an unreserved apology. I understand that for figures in public office, the rules must be applied stringently in order to maintain public confidence. I respect the decision that has been made and have paid the fine.
"I know people sacrificed a great deal during Covid, and they will find this situation upsetting. I deeply regret the frustration and anger caused and I am sorry. Like the Prime Minister, I am focused on delivering for the British people at this challenging time."
Earlier the Prime Minister also issued an apology.
Speaking at Chequers he said: "Today I’ve received a fixed penalty notice from the Metropolitan Police relating to an event in Downing Street on June 19 2020. And let me say immediately that I’ve paid the fine and I once again offer a full apology and in the spirit of openness and humility I want to be completely clear about what happened on that date.
"My day began shortly after 7am and I chaired eight meetings in Number 10, including the Cabinet committee deciding Covid strategy. I visited a school in Hemel Hempstead, which took me out of Downing Street for over four hours and amongst all these engagements on a day that happened to be my birthday, there was a brief gathering in the Cabinet Room shortly after 2pm lasting for less than 10 minutes, during which people I work with kindly passed on their good wishes. And I have to say in all frankness at that time it did not occur to me that this might have been a breach of the rules."
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