Police issue 24 fines for Covid breaches at Tory party attended by Shaun Bailey

Met initially took no action but reopened inquiry after video showed staff drinking alcohol and dancing

The Metropolitan police have recommended 24 fixed-penalty notices be imposed for breaches of Covid rules at a pandemic-era Christmas party held by the campaign team of a Conservative peer.

Officers initially decided to take no action over the December 2020 gathering at the Conservative headquarters, despite a photograph showing the then mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey amid a crowd of apparent revellers – with some holding drinks and standing next to a buffet.