Boris Johnson has apologised in parliament for the fact it did “not occur” to him that his birthday party in the Cabinet room was against coronavirus rules.
Speaking in the House of Commons for the first time since receiving his fine over the Easter recess, Johnson repeated his apology for receiving a fine for breaking Covid curbs.
The statement was delivered after speaker Lindsay Hoyle confirmed MPs will get to decide whether Johnson should be investigated for misleading the Commons.
“It did not occur to me then or subsequently that a gathering in the Cabinet room just before a vital meeting on Covid strategy could amount to a breach of the rules,” Johnson said.
“I repeat that was my mistake and I apologise for it unreservedly.”
Responding, Labour leader Keir Starmer said: “What a joke.”