Scotland Yard to probe Boris Johnson bashes at No. 10

London’s Metropolitan Police Service has said it will launch a criminal investigation into the Downing Street lockdown parties.

Protesters attend a Sack Boris rally in Glasgow. Picture: Getty Images.

Greater London’s Metropolitan Police Service has said it will launch a criminal investigation into the Downing Street lockdown parties just a day after it emerged that Boris Johnson celebrated his 56th birthday in the first ­national lockdown with a Union flag cake, nibbles from M and S with 30 staff and a family barbecue.

Metropolitan Police commissioner Cressida Dick announced on Tuesday that her team would look at eight of 17 events where it is alleged Downing Street staff, the Prime Minister and other pol­iticians are accused of breaching ­coronavirus lockdown laws.

The police involvement has created huge consternation within the Tory party and if 54 letters of no confidence are submitted to the backbench leader, it will spark an immediate leadership contest.

There are also suggestions that if Mr Johnson is rolled, an election could be held within months.

Dame Cressida had previously ruled out any retrospective investigations in relation to lockdown breaches, but the constant drip-feed of party-going, drinking and gatherings of scores of people at what appears to be social events in the heart of British political ­decision-making has prompted the police to act.

Downing Street had also confirmed that Mr Johnson had attended the surprise birthday event in June 2020, hosted by his then fiancee Carrie Symonds, for 10 minutes. At the time, all retail, pubs and restaurants were closed and no one was allowed to meet others inside.

Boris Johnson goes for his morning run as his leadership sinks deeper into crisis. Picture: Getty Images.

Former adviser Dominic Cummings is determined to bring the PM down. Picture: Getty Images.

The public had been told they could gather in groups of six if ­socially distanced outside, but the rules were so strict that any guests weren’t even allowed to pop inside to go the toilet.

“As a result firstly of the information provided by the Cabinet Office inquiry team and secondly my officers’ own assessment, I can confirm that the Met is now investigating a number of events that took place at Downing Street and Whitehall in the last two years in relation to potential breaches of Covid-19 regulations,’’ Dame Cressida said.

She also said several other events had already been looked at and had not reached the threshold for a criminal investigation.

Dame Cressida said officers had been looking at some offences and had issued fixed penalty notices to some individuals.

She also added: “I absolutely understand that there is deep public concern about the allegations that have been in the media in recent weeks. I completely understand that. The vast majority of people have acted responsibly during the pandemic.”

Meanwhile, Downing St has admitted the fresh allegations, first made on British network ITV, which come days before top civil servant Sue Gray reports on her investigations into a series of parties thrown at No. 10 and what the Prime Minister knew about them.

Amid plummeting approval ratings, Mr Johnson is fighting a rearguard action not just to thwart the Labour opposition but his own Tory backbenchers, who have encouraged leadership ­manoeuvres.

News of the birthday party brings the number of lockdown breaches at Downing St to 18.

The British public has reacted with outrage to revelations of those in power partying throughout the pandemic, with regular drinks evenings, including on the eve of Prince Phillip’s funeral, while they were prevented from any social gatherings or ­visiting sick and dying ­relatives.

The sight of the Queen having to sit alone in St George’s Chapel for her husband’s funeral has highlighted the differing standards.

Former Johnson  aide Dominic Cummings on his blog on Monday said “other damaging stories will come out until he (Mr Johnson) is gone”.