Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak are to be issued fines by the Met for breaking their own rules during lockdown, it has been announced today.
Both ministers have been told to resign today, with Boris Johnson facing calls to recall parliament for a vote of no confidence.
It has also been revealed that Carrie Johnson, the PM's wife, will also receive a police fine for breaking the government's lockdown rules.
At present, it is not clear which particular parties the fines have been given out for as, when asked, a no.10 spokesperson refused to provide any details.
It comes after the Metropolitan Police launched an official investigation back in January into 12 events where restrictions may have been breached, with a total of more than 50 fines having been handed out so far, reports The Manc.
Police issued the first 20 fines on 1 April to people who attended a leaving party for a Number 10 official on 18 June 2020 in the Cabinet Office building at 70 Whitehall, and then some of those fines were also handed out to people who attended two events on 16 April 2021, which shocked the nation as it was the day before Prince Philip’s funeral.
Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak are to receive fines for attending parties during lockdown / Credit: Flickr
At the time the investigation was launched, the Met said they would “police without fear or favour”, and provide updates “at significant points” in its inquiry, but said they would not be naming those who received the fines.
The government promised to reveal if Mr Johnson and Mr Sunak were among them, however.
After the news broke this afternoon, leader of the Labour Party, Sir Keir Starmer, has spoken out in response to the fines in a statement on Twitter, calling for both the Prime Minister and Rishi Sunak to resign.
“Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak have broken the law and repeatedly lied to the British public. They must both resign. The Conservatives are totally unfit to govern. Britain deserves better.”
Liberal Democrat leader, Sir Ed Davey, has also called for Parliament – which is currently on its Easter recess – to be recalled to hold a no confidence vote in the Prime Minister, as “no other leader in any other organisation would be allowed to continue after law-breaking on this scale.”
“This is a government in crisis neglecting a country in crisis,” he added on Twitter.
Featured image – Parliament.TV
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Ilkley crowned the best place to live in the north by The Sunday Times
The beautiful spa town of Ilkley has been crowned the best place to live in the north of England by The Sunday Times.
The results are in, and our very own Ilkley has taken the top spot for the north and north-east category.
The list posted but the Sunday Times every year, features 72 locations across the UK that they deem are the best spots to settle down in.
Judges visited each location to take in the atmosphere, explore the history and chat to the locals to find out what made each place so special.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's not the first time the wonderful spa town of Ilkley has been praised, having been the national winner back in 2022 it's no stranger to taking home the trophy.
The judging panel said about Ilkley: “It’s not just the fresh air, fantastic scenery, excellent schools and direct trains to Leeds that make Ilkley this year’s pick of the north and northeast. It’s the get-up and go of a community that tackles every challenge with gusto.”
"It's hard to imagine anywhere with more opportunities for youngsters."
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Also getting a mention in the regional category was Horsforth, which was recommended for its transport links, brilliant local schools and thriving social scene.
The guide said: "The city is Yorkshire's economic powerhouse - but for something a bit greener, a bit more family friendly, it's hard to better Horsforth's streets of sandstone houses."
Elsewhere up north, Sheffield got a special shoutout where the judges said: "Burgeoning creative industries and judicious regeneration are igniting interest in previously overlooked postcodes ... Hipsters and happy families alike are celebrating, welcoming, embracing, loving this city-wide vibe."
So if you fancy escaping the hustle and bustle of the city centre, then why not hop on a train and visit the best place to live up north and see for yourselves what the fuss is all about.
The Queen’s Hotel in Leeds named one of the best places to stay in the UK
Danny Jones
One Leeds' pride and joys is getting some well-deserved recognition as The Queen's Hotel has been named of the best places to stay in the UK.
Located right in the heart of the city centre, The Queen's Hotel is about as beautiful a building as they come in Leeds, with its pristine white walls and art deco design making it one of the most stunning structures we have to our name.
It's as synonymous with the cityscape as the Town Hall, Corn Exchange, Kirkstall and Kirkgate, as well as the train station for which the flagship hotel was built.
We couldn't be prouder to call it our own the only thing we'll argue on is that it should be further up the rankings.
The Sunday Times’ '100 Best Places to Stay in the UK' is compiled by a team of experienced reviewers, who narrow down hundreds of stays into the definitive guide of the best accommodation around the UK.
Hotels are judged on several factors, including design, facilities, and value for money, plus dining and service.
Speaking on the Leeds icon, specifically, the Times wrote: "Big, bold and stately, the Queens holds court over the centre of Leeds like the grande dame she was intended to be when built in 1937.
"Back then, with her art deco lines, pearly-grey stone façade, polished wood and mirrored interiors, she was the place to stay. Fast-forward several decades and an expensive buff and shine has brought her zipping into the 21st century without losing an iota of old-world glamour.
"With sleek, airy bedrooms, a sophisticated cocktail bar and sultry circular restaurant, she’s an ideal base for hitting the city’s cultural hotspots, boutique shops and great places to eat."
You can read their full review of the Grade II-listed legend HERE.
There were a fair few other successes for Yorkshire and the North as a whole this year beyond just The Queen's Hotel's achievement on its own.
The Angel at Hetton and Saltmoore in North Yorkshire picked up 'North and northeast England hotel of the year' as well as 'Best beach hotel', respectively; plus, Jöro at Oughtibridge Mill in Sheffield received plaudits among many other Northern nods.
With the Times also naming Leeds in general as one of the coolest places to live, so much for that whole 'grim up North' nonsense, eh?
Georgina Pellant -
12th April 2022 
