Coronavirus LIVE updates as No 10 prepares for questioning by 'partygate' police

Downing Street staff are preparing for questions from detectives as the police begin to contact those they believe were involved in the No 10 lockdown parties

Scotland Yard announced officers from the investigation - known as Operation Hillman - will have started sending out formal legal questionnaires to more than 50 individuals by the end of the week.

Some of the parties being investigated include those Prime Minister Boris Johnson was known to have attended - meaning he could be among those receiving a demand for answers in their inboxes.

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It comes after the Metropolitan Police announced they would widen their inquiries to cover a quiz night that took place at No 10 in December 2020, following the emergence of a photo of Mr Johnson and colleagues near an open bottle of sparkling wine.

In a statement, the force said the questionnaire would ask for “an account and explanation of the recipient’s participation” in an event which is the subject of police inquiries.

Recipients will be required to respond "truthfully" within seven days - mostly by email.

“If following an investigation, officers believe it is appropriate because the Covid regulations have been breached without a reasonable excuse, a fixed penalty notice will normally be issued,” the statement said.

“We understand the interest in and impact of this case, and are progressing the investigation at pace.

“We are committed to completing our investigations proportionately, fairly and impartially.”

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace noted more pictures of alleged rule-breaking events held at No 10 could emerge at any time.

He told Times Radio:

"The constant leaking is clearly