Rishi Sunak as confused as me about our Covid fines, claims Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson has claimed Rishi Sunak is as confused as him about why they were fined for attending a “birthday party” event during lockdown.

Mr Johnson cited Mr Sunak in a 52-page evidence submission ahead of his televised grilling by the privileges committee on Wednesday.

Both were issued with Covid fines last year in relation to a gathering in the Cabinet Room at Downing Street on June 19, 2020, the day of the then prime minister’s 56th birthday.

His reference to Mr Sunak is a reminder that he was not the only politician tainted by the partygate scandal, with Labour having demanded their resignations.

Some of Mr Johnson’s close allies continue to blame Mr Sunak, his former chancellor, for his downfall after his resignation over the Chris Pincher affair prompted dozens of other ministers to quit.

Asked about the claim on Tuesday, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman pointed to the apology Mr Sunak made at the time of the fine but refused to be drawn any further on Mr Johnson’s comments.

“You’ll remember the Prime Minister and then chancellor issued a statement at the time, and I think he set out his position and views very clearly in that,” the spokesman said. “I don’t have any more to add to what he said.”

Mr Johnson wrote in his submission: “There is one event for which the current Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak MP, and I were given fixed penalty notices by the Metropolitan Police: the event on 19 June 2020.

“I have accepted the conclusion of the police that my participation in the gathering in the Cabinet Room on my birthday, which I knew nothing about in advance, was unlawful.

“However, to this day it remains unclear to me – and I believe the Prime Minister may feel the same – how precisely we committed an offence under the Regulations.”

In a footnote, Mr Johnson’s team highlighted remarks made by Mr Sunak in a BBC interview in February last year.

Asked whether he walked into the Cabinet Room “at the end of Boris Johnson’s birthday celebration”, he replied: “I’m in the Cabinet Room for a Covid meeting much like the other hundred, 200, God knows how many other Covid meetings I’ve been to.

“You’re asking me about something that happened over two years ago, and I walked into a meeting with a group of people as I do all the time.”

Mr Sunak offered an “unreserved apology” when fined on April 12 last year, adding: “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.”