Partygate: Met Police issues the first fines over event on eve of Prince Philip's funeral

The police investigation follows the Sue Gray inquiry

The first partygate fines have been issued, it has emerged.

Last week the Metropolitan Police confirmed 20 fixed penalty notices would be issued to Downing Street and Whitehall figures for attending parties there that broke lockdown laws.

Its investigation into 12 gatherings began in January.

It is now understood that the first fines have been issued, with penalty notices directed to some of those who attended the leaving part of former Number 10 director of communications, James Slack.

This is one of two partygate events held on 16 April 2021, the eve of Prince Philip's funeral service. That was carried out in accordance with strict rules on distancing and the number of guests.

The Prime Minister was not at that gathering, it is understood.

However, the scandal - which was first investigated by senior civil servant Sue Gray before the police probe - led to calls for his resignation.

Letters of no confidence were submitted by Conservative MPs including Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross. He has since withdrawn that letter and Boris Johnson issued an apology at the dispatch box.

The Met has said it will not identify those issued the fixed penalty notices. 

However, the BBC reports that it has seen the emails confirming the issue of the first batch.

The initial publication of the Sue Gray report saw details withheld while the police investigation was conducted. An updated version is expected following the conclusion of the Met probe.