British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that he accepted a fine by police for breaking lockdown rules in 2020 and he understood public anger over the issue, but he had not believed he was in breach of the law at the time.
The fine issued to Mr Johnson relates to a birthday party for him in June 2020, his office said today.
"Let me say immediately that I've paid the fine and I once again offer a full apology," Mr Johnson said during televised remarks from Chequers.
"I have to say, in all frankness, at that time it did not occur to me that this might have been a breach of the rules.
"But of course the police have found otherwise and I fully respect the outcome of their investigation," Mr Johnson told the BBC.
When asked if he would resign, he said: "I have, of course, paid the FPN (fixed penalty notice) and I apologise once again for the mistake that I made.
"And as I've said just now I want to be able to get on and deliver the mandate that I have ... That is my priority."
Asked whether the fact he had broken his own laws meant that was not possible, he added: "I believe that it's my job to get on and deliver for the people this country and that's what I'm going to do."
Mr Johnson was fined along with his wife Carrie and Chancellor Rishi Sunak, who also offered an "unreserved apology" and said he had paid the fine.
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Mr Sunak added: "I understand that for figures in public office, the rules must be applied stringently in order to maintain public confidence.
"I respect the decision that has been made and have paid the fine.
"I know people sacrificed a great deal during Covid, and they will find this situation upsetting. I deeply regret the frustration and anger caused and I am sorry."
Police earlier said that they would be issuing at least another 30 fines for people who attended gatherings in Mr Johnson's offices and residence in breach of strict coronavirus lockdown rules, taking the total to more than 50.
Labour Party Leader Keir Starmer and SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said that both Mr Johnson and Mr Sunak should resign.
"Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak have broken the law and repeatedly lied to the British public. They must both resign," Mr Starmer said in a statement.
"The Conservatives are totally unfit to govern. Britain deserves better."
The events included a "bring your own booze" event in May 2020 and the surprise get-together for Mr Johnson's birthday.
In January, senior civil servant Sue Gray published a partial report, which said there were "failures of leadership and judgement" in parts of Number 10 and the Cabinet Office.
The initial publication contained limited detail due to the police investigation. A fuller report is expected once the Met's inquiry ends.
Scotland Yard said it was "making every effort to progress this investigation at speed", with the possibility of more fines to come.
In a statement earlier today, the Metropolitan Police said: "The investigation into allegations of breaches of Covid-19 regulations in Whitehall and Downing Street continues to progress.
"As of Tuesday, 12 April 2022, we have made over 50 referrals for fixed penalty notices to the ACRO Criminal Records Office for breaches of Covid-19 regulations who, following the referral, issue the FPNs to the individual.
"We are making every effort to progress this investigation at speed, this includes continuing to assess significant amounts of investigative material from which further referrals may be made to ACRO."
Mr Johnson came under intense pressure to quit as a result of the gatherings, but in recent weeks the war in Ukraine has seen Tory MPs rally round their leader.
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said: "These fines expose the shocking scale of the criminality in Boris Johnson's Number 10.
"The police have now completely shredded Johnson's claims that no laws were broken. He cannot be trusted and cannot continue as prime minister.
"No other leader in any other organisation would be allowed to continue after law-breaking on this scale.
"If Boris Johnson won't resign, Conservative MPs must show him the door."
More than 100 questionnaires were sent out to people at the gatherings, including Mr Johnson and Mr Sunak.
What happens next over 'Partygate'?
Will Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak lose their jobs?
It is difficult to say, but nothing is likely to happen immediately.
In the case of the Chancellor, he has been under pressure over his wife's finances and was reported to already have considered resigning over that.
It is unlikely the prime minister would step back, but Conservative MPs could force a vote of no confidence if they submit 54 letters to the 1922 Committee - 15% of the number of Conservative MPs.
Is Johnson likely to face a vote?
At the previous height of the partygate saga, at least 15 Tory MPs publicly called for Mr Johnson to go, with the number privately expected to be higher.
Some letters to 1922 committee chairman Graham Brady have since been withdrawn as the crisis in Ukraine deepened, and many of those who called for Mr Johnson to go previously have said now would not be the time to change leader.
What about the timing?
The Met Police has announced the intention to issue the latest fines during parliamentary recess.
This means Mr Johnson will not face MPs until next Tuesday at the earliest, and his spokesman will not be questioned by journalists until next week either.
Will the Commons be recalled?
The Liberal Democrats have called for it, but it is not likely to happen as it is the Government that asks the Speaker to bring MPs back during the break.
Do we know how much they have been fined?
No, but we do know the latest round was in relation to a gathering held on Mr Johnson’s birthday on 19 June 2020.
Is this a criminal conviction?
No. Human rights barrister Adam Wagner said on Twitter the FPNs were a "criminal sanction" instead.
However he said that did mean "police believe he committed a criminal offence".
When was the last time a prime minister was involved in a criminal investigation?
When Tony Blair was in No 10 he was questioned by police - but not under caution - over cash-for-honours allegations.
In July 2007 the former prime minister, who was questioned three times by officers, welcomed the decision not to prosecute anyone over the claims.
Additional reporting Reuters
