Johnson is first PM to be questioned under caution

Boris Johnson has ­become the first British prime minister to be questioned under caution by the police, a leaked form appears to confirm.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Picture: AFP

Boris Johnson has ­become the first British prime minister to be questioned under caution by the police, a leaked form appears to confirm.

The Metropolitan Police is sending questionnaires to 88 people accused of attending lockdown-breaking gatherings as part of a criminal investigation into a dozen held at Downing Street during 2020 and last year. In the forms, which are equivalent to a police interview, people are asked to explain and justify their attendance.

Mr Johnson, 57, has filled out his questionnaire and returned it to the police after consulting with a lawyer hired at his ­expense. He has argued that he attended six events, including an impromptu birthday party and a gathering in his Downing Street flat, as part of his working day.

An interview under caution is a formal police interview where what the suspect says can be used as evidence against them. They have the right to remain ­silent, or not to answer. It differs from informal interviews such as questioning of witnesses.

Tony Blair, the only previous sitting prime minister to face a police interview, was questioned as a witness as part of an investigation into cash for honours in 2007. At the time, he said he would resign if interviewed under caution.

Labour said that the fact Mr Johnson faced questioning was embarrassing.

No 10 said: “We have confirmed the Prime Minister has been contacted by the Metropolitan Police. We will not be commenting further while the investigation is ongoing.”

The Times