Boris Johnson’s father will not be fined after being caught shopping without a face covering, police have announced.

Stanley Johnson said he was ‘extremely sorry’ after he was pictured defying coronavirus restrictions while buying a newspaper in a shop in Maida Vale, west London on Tuesday.

The prime minister had vowed to crack down on those flouting mask rules on the same day, reminding the public of the £200 fine for first-time offenders.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed today that Mr Johnson will not have to pay for the breach as officers were not on the scene at the time.

A spokesperson said: ‘As a matter of course the MPS is not investigating COVID related issues retrospectively.

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‘Where we become aware of a breach occurring, officers will seek to engage, explain and encourage people to follow the rules, only enforcing as a last resort.

‘Where alleged breaches are brought to our attention after the event, officers will not have had the opportunity to engage, explain or encourage, and those involved will not to respond positively to that process – as most people do.

‘Therefore, it would not be appropriate or an effective use of resources in most circumstances to investigate or pursue enforcement.

‘We encourage everyone to make themselves aware of, and to follow, the rules.’

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said it was ‘for police to determine what action to take’ in relation to individuals.

He added: ‘What the PM is clear on is the rules apply to everyone and everyone should follow them.’

The Tory leader’s dad said he was ‘extremely sorry’ for the slip-up on Wednesday, admitting he had lost track of current UK rules after spending three weeks abroad.

Speaking to The Mirror, he said: ‘I’m extremely sorry for the slip up and I would urge absolutely everybody to do everything they can to make sure they do follow the rules about masks and social distancing.

‘The fact this was my first day back in the UK after three weeks abroad is, I am sure, no excuse for not knowing the rules.’

It comes as former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is forced to apologise after breaking the ‘rule of six’ at a dinner party with eight other people.

He told The Sun: ‘I recently had dinner at a friend’s house where the number of guests eventually exceeded five.

‘I understand that remaining at the dinner was a breach of the rule of six. I apologise for my mistake.’

Meanwhile, a Scottish National Party MP is under fire for travelling after testing positive for coronavirus.

Margaret Ferrier, an SNP MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West, had the whip suspended on Thursday after admitting wrongdoing.

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