Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has insisted he is “confident no rules were broken” during Beergate.
His comments come after Durham Police announced it will investigate allegations he broke lockdown rules in April 2021 by drinking beer with colleagues.
The Labour Party leader had previously refused to be drawn while on a victory lap of England following some successes in Thursday’s local elections.
But he ended up giving in to the questions.
Sir Keir Starmer said there was "no breach of the rules"
James Manning
Speaking to reporters, Sir Keir said: “As I’ve explained a number of times, we were working in the office, we stopped for something to eat – no party, no breach of the rules.
“The police obviously have got their job to do, we should let them get on with it.
“But I’m confident that no rules were broken. Meanwhile, we’ve had a really good set of results today.”
A Labour Party spokesman said: “We’re obviously happy to answer any questions there are and we remain clear that no rules were broken.”
Sir Keir was pictured drinking beer after eating a takeaway in Durham City on April 30.
He was filmed drinking the bottle with colleagues in Labour MP Mary Foy's office, as he prepared for the Hartlepool by-election.
Sir Keir arriving at London Euston station earlier today
Kirsty O'Connor
Durham Police have now confirmed that an investigation is under way "following the receipt of significant new information over recent days".
In a statement, the police 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.”
Richard Holden, the local Conservative MP who urged police to investigate the incident, claims he is "delighted" at the news.
He told the Telegraph: "After seeing all the evidence so far, I think it’s the only reasonable conclusion anybody could have come to."
