But in May, after mounting pressure, the force confirmed it would fully investigate the allegations. In a statement the force said it had conducted a “detailed, thorough and proportionate” investigation. They added that a “substantial” amount of evidence had been gathered, but ultimately there was no way to answer why there was a “discharge”. Reacting to the news, a Conservative Party source said: “People in Durham will be surprised to learn that they have been allowed to stand around drinking inside after work with people outside their household under the COVID restrictions. “Other powers obviously take a different view. Of course, if Keir Starmer held himself to the standards he demands of others, he would have resigned two months ago.”
