The government’s former ethics chief has reportedly been fined for the “partygate” scandal.
Helen MacNamara, who used to be deputy secretary of state, is said to be among the first group of people to receive a fine (FPN) from Scotland Yard as part of their investigation into alleged lockdown violations in Downing Street and Whitehall.
The Daily Telegraph reported that Ms MacNamara on Friday received a £ 50 fine in connection with a farewell party held at the Cabinet Office on 18 June 2020 to mark the departure of a private secretary.
Meanwhile, several reports suggest that people have also received fines in connection with a gathering that took place on the eve of the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral last year. These FPNs were among the first round of 20 issued by the Metropolitan Police.
Ms MacNamara was Director-General of Decency and Ethics in the Cabinet Office from 2018 to 2020 and left the government to work for the Premier League.
The purpose of the role was to ensure the highest standards of orderliness, integrity and governance.
It has also been reported by ITV News that Boris Johnson will not be interviewed by Metropolitan Police as part of their “partygate” investigation.
This is because the force does not interview those who have received questionnaires as part of the inquiries and who could potentially receive fines, the TV station said.
The Met is investigating 12 events, including as many as six, that Mr Johnson is said to have attended, and has issued more than 100 questionnaires.
The Prime Minister received his in February.
ITV said the only officials being interviewed are “witnesses” whose role is to help police interpret questionnaires submitted by other people.
“The Met does not interview those who received questionnaires and are on the verge of being fined,” it said.
The Met declined to comment.