THE Greens have called Boris Johnson a liar and insisted he must resign even if he is not fined for attending lockdown parties.
The party has said the Prime Minister must take more responsibility for fines handed out by the Metropolitan Police for celebrations held at Number 10.
Cops issued 20 fixed penalty notices to Downing Street staff for breaches of Covid-19 rules on Friday.
Since then, The Times has reported the scandal has reached the House of Commons, with at least two drinks parties being investigated by parliamentary authorities.
One of these was on the Commons terrace next to the Thames river which involved one minister and their special advisers.
It is believed some of the parties may have been at the same time as those held in Downing Street, such as the event on the eve of Prince Philip's funeral.
Scottish Greens health spokesperson Gillian Mackay said even if Johnson is not personally punished for breaching rules, he should still stand down.
READ MORE: Ex-ethics chief speaks out after lockdown fine
She said: “The question of whether the Prime Minister has himself received a fine yet or not is irrelevant.
"The fact is at least 12 parties took place in the Prime Minister’s residence when he was telling everyone else they were not allowed due to the public health crisis. We know the police are issuing fines for this rule-breaking, which Jacob Rees-Mogg may dismiss as ‘trivial’ but for the families of those who died and the millions who stayed away from loved ones during this difficult time, it is very serious indeed.
“Johnson told parliament no rules were broken at his house, but the actions of the Metropolitan Police have proved that was a lie.
"He must resign immediately.”
Cabinet minister Rees-Mogg dismissed concern over the parties as 'trivial fluff' at the Conservative spring conference last month.
Johnson will reportedly not be interviewed by the Met as part of their investigation because the force is not speaking to those who have received questionnaires - and could potentially be fined - as part of the inquiries, according to ITV News.
The Met is investigating 12 events, including as many as six Johnson is said to have attended, and has sent out more than 100 questionnaires.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here