Johnson Present At ‘Party' To Which 100 Staff Were Invited

Lockdown-breaking gathering took place in Downing Street

- Ashley Cowburn, Anna Isaac

More than 100 Downing Street staff were invited to a lockdown breaking party in the No 10 garden and told to “bring your own booze”, a leaked email shows. The revelation heaps fresh pressure on Boris Johnson, who refused to say whether he had attended, but a source told The Independent he had “hung out” with staff for at least an hour as they knocked back drinks.

The party took place on 20 May 2020, as England was still emerging from the strict first Covid lockdown and meetings with more than one other person outdoors were still banned. It also came five days after another party, where the prime minister and his wife were pictured with offiials having wine and cheese in the garden, as reported by The Independent.

Sources said there had been further No 10 gatherings during lockdown that had yet to come to light. An investigation into the events is being carried out by senior civil servant Sue Gray.

According to ITV News, the leaked email was sent by Mr Johnson’s principal private secretary, Martin Reynolds, to more than 100 employees in Downing Street. The email stated: “Hi all. 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 No 10 garden this evening. Please join us from 6pm and bring your own booze!”

Yesterday evening, the Metropolitan Police said they were “in contact” with the Cabinet Offie relating to alleged breaches of the Health Protection Regulations at No 10 on 20 May.