Johnson was not fined for taking part in the November 2020 event,though he was issued with a fixed penalty notice for a Downing Street gathering to mark his birthday in June that year,an event which he said lasted no more than 10 minutes.

He has apologised for what he called a mistake but refused to resign over the issue.

The Metropolitan police referred to a statement announcing the end of its investigations last week when asked if it had been aware of the Cain leaving party pictures during its investigation.

The Cabinet Office,which has been handling a separate government investigation into the parties,declined to comment.

The government is expected this week to publish a long-awaited report by the senior civil servant Sue Gray into the events held at Johnson’s Downing Street office during coronavirus lockdowns. Police have handed out 126 fines in connection with the parties.

The report,which is expected to include details of some events that were not investigated by the police,could spur more criticism of the British leader,who has been under months of pressure over several scandals and U-turns.

Reuters

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