Police are looking into the prime minister’s failure to wear a seat belt in the back of his luxury car.
Rishi Sunak has apologised after his ‘error of judgment’ was spotted in an Instagram video promoting his levelling-up funding in Lancashire.
In the video, police motorbikes can be seen escorting the car as the British leader addresses the camera.
A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said tonight: ‘We are aware of the matter and we will be looking into it.’
Fines of up to £500 can be issued when someone doesn’t wear a seatbelt when one is available.
A Downing Street spokesman said earlier Mr Sunak ‘fully accepts this was a mistake and apologises’.
‘The Prime Minister believes everyone should wear a seatbelt’, the spokesman said.
‘It was an error of judgment, he removed it for a short period of time to film a clip, which you’ve seen, but he accepts that was a mistake.’
Mr Sunak was questioned on the incident as he walked off from a broadcast interview in Hartlepool, but declined to answer.
There are a few exemptions for failing to wear a belt, including when a car is being used for police, fire and rescue services and for certified medical issues.
But Number 10 does not believe there is an exception for travelling in a ministerial car.
The government has contemplated toughening seatbelt rules to ensure drivers not wearing them could receive penalty points.
Metro.co.uk has contacted Downing Street for further comment tonight.
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