Partygate: Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak issue apologies over lockdown breaches

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak have made apologies after it was confirmed they both broke lockdown rules.

Downing Street had earlier said both would receive fixed penalty notices for breaking the laws their government set during the pandemic.

The prime minister said the public "had a right to expect better".

In a televised statement broadcast from Chequers, he added: "[But] now I feel an even greater sense of obligation to deliver on the priorities of the British people."

Speculation had surrounded the future of Sunak, but this evening he issued a statement, saying: "I deeply regret the frustration and anger caused and I am sorry.

"Like the prime minister, I am focused on delivering for the British people at this challenging time."

Earlier, the news of the fines led to fresh calls for the two men to resign.

Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: "Boris Johnson must resign. He broke the law and repeatedly lied to parliament about it. The basic values of integrity and decency - essential to the proper working of any parliamentary democracy - demand that he go. And he should take his out of touch chancellor with him."

Labour leader Keir Starmer said: "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."

The Metropolitan Police earlier confirmed it would issue around 30 more fines to attendees at lockdown-breaking events in government premises during the early stages of the pandemic.

Around 20 fixed penalty notices were issued last month as part of Operation Hillman, when the Met indicated that these would not be the last.