UK’s Johnson says he paid a police fine for lockdown parties

By SYLVIA HUI and JILL LAWLESS
Associated Press

LONDON (AP) — U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson says he paid a fine by police for breaching COVID-19 regulations following allegations of lockdown parties at government offices. His office said his wife, Carrie, and Treasury chief Rishi Sunak also were fined. Tuesday’s news made Johnson the first British leader to be sanctioned for breaking the law while in office. The “partygate” scandal has seen dozens of politicians and officials investigated over allegations the government flouted its own pandemic restrictions. Many in Britain are angered by news that Johnson’s staff held office parties in 2020 and 2021 while millions in Britain abided by lockdown rules. Johnson apologized for falling short of observing his own government’s rules.