Sir Keir Starmer will be investigated by police over “beergate” – the allegation he broke lockdown rules while drinking with colleagues.
The Labour leader has come under pressure since footage emerged of him drinking a beer and having curry with colleagues in Durham during campaigning for the Hartlepool by-election in April 2021.
At the time, non-essential retail and outdoor venues including pub gardens were open but social distancing rules, which included a ban on indoor mixing between households, remained in place.
Durham Constabulary said: “Earlier this year, Durham Constabulary carried out an assessment as to whether Covid-19 regulations had been breached at a gathering in Durham City on April 30 2021.
“At that time, it was concluded that no offence had been established and therefore no further action would be taken.
“Following the receipt of significant new information over recent days, Durham Constabulary has reviewed that position and now, following the conclusion of the pre-election period, we can confirm that an investigation into potential breaches of COVID-19 regulations relating to this gathering is now being conducted.”
A Labour Party spokesman said: “We’re obviously happy to answer any questions there are and we remain clear that no rules were broken.”
Local elections live: Tories lose scores of seats but Lib Dem gains could spook Tory MPs weighing up Boris Johnson future most | Politics Hub live
Local elections 2022: Boris Johnson admits it was ‘tough night’ for Conservatives as Labour win key London councils
Local elections: Labour have chalked up some big symbolic wins but questions remain for Keir Starmer
The revelation comes after Boris Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak were fined for breaking lockdown rules following a Met Police investigation into partygate.
Sir Keir accused Conservative MPs on Monday of “mudslinging” over the allegations.
He said he and his colleagues were working and paused for some food, adding that “no rules were broken”.
