Particulars have emerged of what seems to be one other alcohol-fuelled social occasion inside Downing Road throughout lockdown, one which was seemingly not investigated by police or the official civil service investigation.
In line with the Mirror, between 30 and 40 workers drank alcohol and ate takeaway snacks to mark the ultimate press briefing performed by Boris Johnson’s then-spokesperson James Slack, on 17 November 2020.
{A photograph} obtained by the paper seems to point out an official setting out bottles of wine and Champagne-type drinks. The image was reportedly despatched to No 10 workers on a WhatsApp group, in response to a message saying: “Time to open the Covid safe bar.”
The photograph was then posted as a reply with the message: “The bar is open.” Different messages reported by the Mirror seemingly display premeditation in socialising, with one referring to “Wine Time Tuesday”, and others discussing going to purchase “reinforcement booze”. One official says: “If somebody might help me carry it I’m completely happy to go.”
The alleged occasion was 4 days after the leaving drinks for Lee Cain, Johnson’s head of communications. On Monday, ITV News obtained images exhibiting the prime minister on the occasion, elevating a glass and seeming to toast Cain and make a speech.
These photos have placed pressure on the Metropolitan police to clarify why Johnson was not fined for attending the 13 November gathering, when others there have been.
The 17 November occasion was not amongst gatherings investigated by the Met, and was not listed amongst these examined within the interim report into lockdown-breaching events by the senior Cupboard Workplace civil servant Sue Grey. Her full report is anticipated to emerge on Wednesday.
Slack, who was a civil servant slightly than a political appointee like Cain, was chosen to switch Cain as head of communications. The 17 November drinks have been held to mark the final time that, as Johnson’s official spokesperson, he spoke to the media on the every day foyer briefings, in keeping with studies.
At the moment, due to the lockdown, the briefings have been being held nearly slightly than in particular person. Slack left No 10 in April 2021. That leaving celebration, held the day earlier than Prince Philip’s funeral whereas indoor social mixing was nonetheless barred, was reported and investigated. He’s now deputy editor of the Solar.
Proof of what seems to be yet one more social occasion, and one deliberate prematurely, places additional stress on Johnson forward of Grey’s findings, amid studies extra Conservative MPs may very well be submitting letters of no confidence within the prime minister.
If Grey’s full report is launched on Wednesday, it might more than likely be submitted to Downing Road within the morning and revealed shortly afterwards, with Johnson promising to provide an announcement to parliament and reply questions from MPs later that day. No 10 have mentioned Johnson would then intention to carry a press convention.
A No 10 spokesperson mentioned: “As a part of their investigation the Cupboard Workplace group have been capable of communicate to No 10 workers to determine the details on what occurred throughout this era. Each they and the Met Police have had entry to all data related to their investigations, together with images.
“The Met have concluded their investigation and Sue Grey will publish her report shortly, at which level the prime minister will tackle parliament in full.”
Slack was contacted for remark.
