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Partygate fines: The five stages of grief

Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

So, the verdict is in: Boris only broke the law once during lockdown. Like it or not, today’s findings by the Metropolitan police will no doubt be received with delight by those in No. 10, relieved that the PM looks to have got away with it once again. Even if there are nerves over the imminent publication of Sue Gray’s report. 

As with any victory in life, there are undoubtedly winners and losers. Having applauded the force for beginning their investigation in January, there are figures in Westminster who may take a different view of the findings of the Met – with any warm sentiments for London’s finest have suddenly evaporated.

Below are the five stages of grief over the partygate findings:

Denial

The first stage of grief is, of course, denial. And few exhibited that refusal to accept reality better than Guardian columnist Owen Jones who furiously hopped on to Twitter to opine that ‘This makes absolutely no sense whatsoever, given the other parties Boris Johnson attended were clearly way worse than the birthday cake incident.





Steerpike
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Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

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