Scotland Yard revealed, of a total of 204 questionnaires issued as part of their Operation Hillman probe, two were not responded to

The Metropolitan Police have revealed that they did not receive two questionnaires during their Partygate inquiry into Covid rule-breaking in Downing Street.

Scotland Yard said that two of the 204 questionnaires distributed as part of the Operation Hillman investigation were not returned.

However, the force argued that the non-responses’spurred on’ rather than ‘hampered’ officers and that it did not prevent them from issuing fines.

The Met Police reported last month that Operation Hillman had finished, with 126 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) issued for violations of Coronavirus laws in Government buildings.

As part of their work, officers combed through 345 papers and 510 pictures.

However, one important aspect of their investigation was the distribution of questionnaires, which requested for an account and explanation of the recipient’s participation in lockdown-busting events.

The surveys had formal legal standing, with Scotland Yard setting a seven-day deadline for responses and warning that they’must be completed truthfully.’

In relation to the Beergate claims, Durham Police have also issued questionnaires to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and his deputy Angela Rayner.
Boris Johnson, his wife Carrie Johnson, and Chancellor Rishi Sunak all filled out questionnaires and handed them to the Met Police after being penalised for Partygate.

However, it has now been found that two surveys were not returned to Scotland Yard.

In response to Liberal Democrat chief whip Wendy Chamberlain’s inquiries about Operation Hillman, Met Police deputy assistant commissioner Jane Conners said in a letter: ‘We distributed a total of 204 questionnaires. Only two questionnaires went unanswered.

‘The two individuals who received the surveys were nevertheless examined against all available evidence, and while I cannot provide individual details, I can state that a “non-response” did not prevent us from referring for an FPN to be granted if necessary.

‘As the acting commissioner stated before the London Assembly’s police and crime committee, failure to return a questionnaire pushed the team forward rather than hindered it.’

‘Given that the epidemic affected so many individuals in so many ways, we understand the intense attention, feelings, and opinions on this issue.

‘As a result, I can tell you and the public once more that the small but capable team investigating this topic operated diligently, proportionately, attentively, and impartially.’

Boris Johnson, pictured at a Partygate gathering in Number 10, was among those issued with a Met Police questionnaire

Ms Chamberlain had questioned Scotland Yard about accusations that several higher-ranking personnel had failed to reply questionnaires.

‘Serious doubts remain about the Met Police’s investigation into Boris Johnson’s illegal parties in Downing Street,’ she claimed.

‘Johnson has repeatedly lied and attempted to conceal his unlawful behavior.’ The public now demands complete transparency.

‘It’s critical that we learn more about the two people who failed to return a questionnaire to the police, whether they were Conservative ministers or senior officials, and whether one or both were fined.’

‘We also require immediate clarification on reports that some respondents failed to fully complete their surveys.’

‘The public would be rightfully outraged if it turned out that Johnson or his Downing Street dodged justice by neglecting to properly answer police enquiries.’