But Mr Johnson declined to say he accepted that fact. At the liaison committee, SNP MP Pete Wishart asked Mr Johnson to accept “there has been criminality committed”, given Scotland Yard’s decision to issue fines.
Mr Johnson replied: “I have been, I hope, very frank with the House about where I think we have gone wrong and the things that I regret, that I apologise for.
“But there is an ongoing investigation … I am going to camp pretty firmly on my position.”
He added: “I won’t give a running commentary on an ongoing investigation.”
Position of not commenting
Mr Johnson also sidestepped questions about whether he would be “toast” if he was issued with a fine, sticking to his position of not commenting on a live investigation.
The position triggered speculation that Mr Johnson was preparing to reject the conclusion by the Met should he himself be fined for breaking Covid laws.
The Prime Minister is believed to have attended as many as half a dozen of the events being investigated by the Met, including one held in his own Downing Street flat.
Mr Johnson has always rejected suggestions he broke Covid rules, making the argument that he attended some of the events – such as farewell gatherings – in a work capacity.
