Nicola Sturgeon accuses Tories of ‘massive operation’ to distract from Partygate with Starmer claims

Cabinet ministers piled pressure on police to look at beer-and-curry gathering – despite normal practice to respect operational independence

The Labour leader, Keir Starmer (Getty Images)

Nicola Sturgeon has accused the Conservatives of a “massive operation” to distract from the Partygate scandal by demanding police action over Keir Starmer’s beer-and-curry gathering.

Durham Police is looking again at the meal organised for the Labour leader after campaigning in April last year, after cabinet ministers piled pressure on the force for a rethink.

Sir Keir has pulled out of a speaking event to avoid questions, as some in Labour urge him to pledge to quit if he is fined – to pile pressure on Boris Johnson over his own penalty notice for breaching Covid rules.