Shockwaves have hit the Tory camp after 24 fines were issued for blatant COVID rule breaches at a Conservative campaign party held in London. The event, dubbed the “jingle and mingle” bash, took place on December 14, 2020, and was organised by Shaun Bailey’s mayoral campaign.
Shaun Bailey was forced to quit his position following the scandal. Photos emerged showing him dancing at the event, which broke tier-2 COVID rules that banned indoor mingling between different households. The fallout from the incident cost Bailey his seat on the London Assembly, with the politician admitting he made a “serious error in judgement.” Despite his resignation, Bailey controversially received a peerage in Boris Johnson’s resignation honours list.
Footage from the Tory headquarters party showed guests freely rubbing shoulders, disregarding the tier-2 restrictions on indoor social gatherings. Among those in attendance was Tory aide Ben Mallett, who also received an OBE in Johnson’s honours list, prompting questions about the contrast between those rewarded and those fined.
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that 24 referrals will be sent to the ACRO Criminal Records Office for fixed penalty notices. This decisive action highlights that no individual is above the law, including prominent Tory figures caught breaching pandemic restrictions.
Originally published by UKNIP.
