UK cops to issue 20 ‘Partygate’ fines

British police investigating breaches of coronavirus lockdown laws by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his staff in Downing Street yesterday announced it would be issuing 20 initial fines. London's Metropolitan Police said it would not be disclosing the number or identities of those being fined, but Johnson is reportedly not among those hit in the first wave of sanctions. The news nevertheless risks reviving the so-called "partygate" scandal that left him fighting for political survival after a number of lawmakers from his ruling Conservatives called for his resignation. The London force is investigating claims that Johnson and his Downing Street officials organised and attended at least a dozen alcohol-fuelled events in 2020 and 2021 that violated Britain's then-strict virus curbs. Johnson has already apologised for the parties.