Rishi Sunak will follow Boris and Carrie Johnson’s leads and pay a fine for breaching coronavirus lockdown laws.
The Chancellor, slapped with a Fixed Penalty Notice earlier today, implied that he would stay on in his job – despite repeated denials that he had broken Covid rules.
In a statement, Mr Sunak offered an ‘unreserved apology’ and appeared to reject calls for him to resign.
He said: ‘I can confirm I have received a fixed penalty notice from the Metropolitan Police with regards to a gathering held on June 19 in Downing Street.
‘I offer an unreserved apology.
‘I understand that for figures in public office, the rules must be applied stringently in order to maintain public confidence. I respect the decision that has been made and have paid the fine.’
Mr Sunak previously told the House of Commons he had not attended any parties.
The ministerial code says that ministers who ‘knowingly mislead Parliament will be expected to offer their resignation to the Prime Minister’.
Labour’s Sir Keir Starmer has joined a chorus of voices from across the political spectrum calling for the PM and his number two to quit.
Mr Sunak went on: ‘I know people sacrificed a great deal during Covid, and they will find this situation upsetting. I deeply regret the frustration and anger caused and I am sorry.
‘Like the Prime Minister, I am focused on delivering for the British people at this challenging time.’
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The PM holds the unwanted distinction of being the first sitting British Prime Minister found to have broken the law.
Mr Sunak had been seen as among the heavy favourites to replace Mr Johnson if he does depart number 10, but the revelation that he has been fined with badly damage his hopes of ever becoming Prime Minister.
It follows a bruising week for the multi-millionaire chancellor, whose tax affairs – alongside those of his even wealthier wife – have come under heavy scrutiny.
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