There were seven parties and explanations in the last few days that have just not stacked up.
Claims have emerged that a Christmas party was held in No 10 last year.
The festive bash on December 18, which allegedly involved staff and aides drinking alcohol, eating cheese and swapping secret Santa presents, was in breach of lockdown rules in place in London.
Indoor gatherings were not allowed at the time.
Nov 30: After story about first Downing Street party breaks, No 10 spokesman says: ‘Covid rules have been followed at all times.’
Dec 1: Health Secretary Sajid Javid tells LBC: ‘I didn’t attend. I don’t know who attended these parties, but I don’t even think there were parties that I’m aware of. But the point is, whether it’s in No 10 or any government department, all rules would have been followed at all times.’
At a Downing Street press briefing, the PM’s spokesman denies there was a party and says: ‘We don’t recognise these accounts.’
At PMQs, Boris Johnson insists: ‘All guidance was followed completely in No 10.’
Dec 2: Mr Johnson refuses to give reporters further details ‘because I have told you [what happened]’.
READ RELATED: Should I wear makeup in hot weather? The 2 reasons to go makeup-free in a heatwave
Dec 3: Vaccines Minister Maggie Throup tells BBC’s Question Time that ‘all guidance was followed’, dismisses the reports as ‘rumour and hearsay’, and says she wasn’t aware of a party.
Claims have emerged that a Christmas party was held in No 10 last year, when indoor gatherings were not allowed
Mr Johnson told PMQs: ‘I repeat… that I have been repeatedly assured since these allegations emerged, that there was no party and that no Covid rules were broken’
Dec 5: Justice Secretary Dominic Raab insists the rules were followed, but tells the BBC’s Andrew Marr: ‘Of course, if there was a formal party held, of course that it something that is clearly contrary to the guidance. If anyone held a party that is contrary to the rules, of course that is the wrong thing to do.’
Dec 6: The PM’s spokesman reiterates the Government’s denial, saying: ‘There was not a party and Covid rules have been followed at all times.’
Policing Minister Kit Malthouse tells LBC: ‘Officials at No 10 have assured me, as part of my briefing… that no regulations were broken.’
Dec 8: Mr Johnson tells PMQs: ‘I repeat… that I have been repeatedly assured since these allegations emerged, that there was no party and that no Covid rules were broken.’
Dec 9: Mr Javid on LBC: ‘I have received assurances that there were no [Covid] rules that were broken at any time in Downing Street. That means a party could not take place. If the rules were not broken, then a party could not take place.’
Source:
