Boris Johnson appears to survive partygate fine fallout for now

More than 50 fines have been referred to the Acro Criminal Records Office since the inquiry started

Prime Minister Boris Johnson delivering a statement at his country residence Chequers in Buckinghamshire. Picture: Marc Ward/PA

Boris Johnson looked set to avoid an initial fallout from becoming the first prime minister to be hit with criminal sanctions while in office over a birthday bash held for him in Downing Street against Covid rules.

Mr Johnson, his wife and the Chancellor all apologised on Tuesday and confirmed they had paid fines imposed by the Metropolitan Police over a party held on June 19 2020 to mark Mr Johnson’s 56th birthday.