Sir Keir Starmer has been cleared by police over an allegation he broke lockdown rules after being photographed drinking a beer in a constituency office.

       The Labour leader was filmed drinking alcohol in the City of Durham MP’s office, working in the run-up to the Hartlepool by-election, in April 2021, while some Covid restrictions – such as a ban on indoor hospitality – remained in place in England.

       Sir Keir has always insisted that he did nothing wrong and the act was not comparable with that of the ‘Partygate’ allegations currently plaguing Downing Street.

       Durham police have now confirmed they did not believe any offence was committed.

       A spokesman for the force said: “Durham Constabulary has reviewed video footage recorded in Durham on April 30 2021.

       "We do not believe an offence has been established in relation to the legislation and guidance in place at that time and will therefore take no further action in relation to this matter."

       Speaking previously to LBC, Sir Keir had said he and his team “didn’t break any rules, we were working in the office and we stopped for a takeaway. We did nothing wrong”.