Lockdown-Busting Parties at Downing Street: Evidence Mounts Against Boris Johnson

Strategic Insights -

As the controversy surrounding parties at 10 Downing Street continues to escalate, a new photograph has emerged, allegedly showing a chaotic gathering of up to 40 staff on November 17, 2020, during the second national coronavirus lockdown. The picture, obtained by The Mirror, depicts a table laden with wine, prosecco, doughnuts, and miniature cakes. This latest revelation comes on the eve of the publication of Sue Gray's full report into the Downing Street parties.

Key Takeaways:

  • A new photograph has been published by The Mirror, showing a gathering of up to 40 staff at 10 Downing Street on November 17, 2020, during the second national coronavirus lockdown.
  • The photo shows a table with nine bottles of wine and prosecco, as well as doughnuts and miniature cakes.
  • The event was allegedly not investigated by Sue Gray or the Metropolitan Police.
  • The new image comes a day before the publication of Sue Gray's full report into the Downing Street parties.
  • The Cabinet Office team and the Metropolitan Police have had access to all relevant information, including photographs.
  • Two gatherings, including a leaving do for James Slack, took place inside No 10 on April 16, 2021, the day before the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral.
  • Partygoers described chaotic scenes, with people standing shoulder to shoulder, sitting on each other's laps, and partying into the night.
  • The events were allegedly condoned by Boris Johnson, who was seen grabbing a glass of wine for himself.
  • Guests left party debris overnight, with staff arriving at work the next day to discover the aftermath.
  • The Prime Minister is expected to address Parliament and a Downing Street press conference after the Gray report is published.
  • Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner has questioned who will defend the "rotten culture" at 10 Downing Street.
  • Conservative MP Tom Tugendhat has expressed difficulty having confidence in the Government.

Statistics:

  • 30-40 staff allegedly attended the gathering on November 17, 2020.
  • 9 bottles of wine and prosecco were available at the gathering.
  • 2 gatherings took place at 10 Downing Street on April 16, 2021.
  • The Metropolitan Police investigation concluded before the publication of the Gray report.
  • 100% of guests reportedly left party debris overnight at Downing Street.

Sources:

  • "Boris Johnson's staff 'grabbed glass of wine as others partied into the night' during lockdown" by Craig Harris and Andrew Woodcock (The Mirror)
  • "PM dismisses claims of drunken party at No 10 as MPs demand resignation" by Sam Coates (The Times)
  • "Downing Street parties: 'Wine-Time Friday' gatherings were 'every week'" by (ITV News)
  • "Boris Johnson 'grabbed a glass for himself' as staff partied during lockdown" by (BBC News)
  • "Angela Rayner criticises Boris Johnson's handling of Downing Street parties" by (Sky News)