Liz Truss forced onto defensive over ‘embarrassing’ police quiz for Boris Johnson

The Foreign Secretary gave Mr Johnson “100 per cent” of her support
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The Foreign Secretary was on Wednesday forced to defend Boris Johnson after a leaked copy of the Met’s “partygate” scandal questionnaire suggested he had become the first British prime minister to be questioned under police caution.

Liz Truss said Mr Johnson had “100 per cent” of her support as the Labour Party branded the revelation “an embarrassment”.

Scotland Yard is believed to have sent forms to dozens of Downing Street staff asking them explain their attendance at 12 lockdown gatherings — up to six of which were reportedly attended by the Prime Minister.

The document, seen by ITV News, appears to tell recipients that they have an opportunity to provide “a written statement under caution”.

The level of questioning would be a first for a British prime minister.

Ms Truss said she agreed with Europe minister James Cleverly who said the Prime Minister should not have to resign if he was found to have broken his own Covid rules.

Asked if Mr Johnson should quit if he is found to have broken the laws he set, Ms Truss told Sky News: “The PM is completely co-operating with the police inquiries that are taking place.

“I support the PM 100 per cent. I think he’s doing a fantastic job. And we have to allow those police inquiries to continue. I can’t comment on an ongoing investigation.”

She said Mr Johnson is co-operating with inquiries in relation to the allegations of rule-breaking parties in Downing Street and across Whitehall when Covid restrictions banned social gatherings.

The police are investigating allegations of boozy lockdown bashes involving staff.

Staff were reportedly dispatched to local supermarkets to fill a suitcase with alcohol for the lockdown party in April 2021, the night before Prince Philip’s funeral, and a wine fridge was allegedly delivered to No 10 when restrictions were in place.

Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner said sleaze was “corroding” the country’s highest political office.

“The Prime Minister and his Government are paralysed in a scandal of their own making,” she said.

“While Boris Johnson is spending time with his lawyers, families across the country are feeling the pinch of rising bills and taxes, struggling to keep their heads above water.”

She added: “It is a national embarrassment that Boris Johnson is now the first prime minister in British history to be questioned under police caution. How on earth can he stay on and claim to uphold British law and order after this?”

The questionnaire tells recipients they “do not have to say anything, but it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court”, according to ITV.

It also appears to warn them that they should “ensure the caution is read and understood prior to any answers to questions being provided”.

Recipients have been asked about a dozen questions, including whether they believe any “lawful exception” should be applied to gatherings and if they can provide a “reasonable excuse” for participating, according to the broadcaster.

Other questions include whether the person participated in a gathering on a certain date, whether they interacted with anyone else and what the purpose of their attendance was.

There are believed to be three ways to respond to the questionnaire: remain silent and refuse to answer the questions, provide an answer or provide a prepared statement.

No 10 last week confirmed Mr Johnson had completed the form and Downing Street has previously said his responses will not be made public.

Scotland Yard said the form has a “formal legal status and must be answered truthfully”. Officers are believed to have sent formal questionnaires to approximately 50 people as they look into the details of alleged Covid rule-breaking.

A Met source said there was no timeline for how long the investigation, named Operation Hillman, could take and detectives may have to go back to recipients who have not filled out their questionnaires correctly. They added that the investigation was unlikely to “run smoothly”.

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