LOCKDOWN BASH
DOWNING Street staff were invited to a garden party to “make the most of the lovely weather” at the height of lockdown, a bombshell email reveals.
Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie are alleged to have attended the “bring your own booze” bash in the garden behind No10 in May, 2020.
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At that time, people were only allowed to meet in pairs outdoors. But it is understood around 40 people gathered in the garden, along with the Prime Minister, enjoying drinks and picnic food.
An email invite was sent out by the PM’s Principal Private Secretary Martin Reynolds to more than 100 employees at No10, including advisors, speech-writers and door staff.
The email, published by ITV News, said: “After what has been an incredibly busy period, it would be nice to make the most of the lovely weather and have some socially distanced drinks in the No10 garden this evening.
“Please join us from 6pm and bring your own booze!”
Less than an hour earlier, Minister Oliver Dowden had told the public at the daily press conference to stick to meeting in pairs outdoors.
Ex-aide Dominic Cummings alleged the PM and his wife Carrie attended the bash — which is now being investigated by top civil servant bulldog Sue Gray.
The Met police have said they are speaking to the Cabinet Office about the possible breach of lockdown rules.
A spokesperson said: "The Metropolitan Police Service is aware of widespread reporting relating to alleged breaches of the Health Protection Regulations at Downing Street on 20 May 2020 and is in contact with the Cabinet Office.”
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When asked yesterday about the incident, Mr Johnson said: “There’s an independent process going on to look at this led by Sue Gray and I can’t comment further while that’s taking place.”
Today the health minister Ed Argar said he could "entirely understand" why Brits are "angry, upset, and hurt" at the claims of lockdown-busting parties.
He said that any individuals at No 10 found to have broken the strict Covid restrictions last year should face "appropriate disciplinary action".
But he refused to comment on demands from some quarters that the PM resigns if it is determined the gathering was illegal.
And he said he expects the investigation to be "swift" but that Ms Gray must be given "space" to come to her conclusions.
Mr Argar, who was not at the No 10 bash, said he might have had a "quiet word" with his own neighbours if they were having a party during May last year.
Meanwhile, the Commons standards watchdog Kathryn Stone confirmed the PM will not face a new probe into the refurb of his swanky Downing Street flat.
Sobbing Allegra Stratton resigns outside her house after lockdown-busting No10 party
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