Police to investigate Keir Starmer lockdown gathering

Sir Keir Starmer will be investigated for alleged lockdown rule breaches last year, Durham police have confirmed.

The force said “significant new information” had come to light about the incident, during which the Labour leader was filmed drinking beer with colleagues.

The gathering took place in the office of local Labour MP Mary Foy in the run-up to the Hartlepool by-election.

It has been reported that as many as 30 people had been at the office on 30 April 2021.

At the time, indoor social gatherings were restricted due to concerns about the Delta variant.

Durham Constabulary said an initial assessment of the allegations concluded the Labour leader had not committed an offence.

But a spokesman said: “Following the receipt of significant new information over recent days, Durham Constabulary has reviewed that position and now, following the conclusion of the pre-election period, we can confirm that an investigation into potential breaches of Covid-19 regulations in relation to this gathering is now being conducted.”

Starmer has previously called for Boris Johnson to resign as Prime Minister after he was found to have breached Covid rules.

The Labour leader has said he did not think the gathering broke the rules because it was part of a work event.