A look at all UK Government parties during COVID-19 restrictions

Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister of the UK, has recently come under fire for the 10 Downing Street party during the first COVID-19 lockdown in the country. There have been apologies all around, including Johnson’s at the Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) and a written apology going out to the Queen from Downing Street. 

However, Johnson continues to be hounded and might have to step down. In light of the recent fracas, here’s a look at all the government parties that took place in the UK during COVID-19 restrictions. 

Downing Street garden party 

The May 15, 2020 party saw Boris Johnson, his wife Carrie, and others in the Downing Street garden. The group was pictured seated around a table with wine and cheese in front of them. Since then, the Prime Minister has asserted it was a work meeting. 

BYOB at Downing Street 

Martin Reynolds, Johnson’s principal private secretary, invited nearly 100 Downing Street employees asking them to bring their own booze for a party on May 20, 2020. Reportedly, the Prime Minister and his wife were also in attendance. 

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Farewell for a senior aide 

On November 13, 2020, PM Johnson delivered a speech on the occasion of Lee Cain, the director of communications, leaving.

House party at the Johnsons 

Reports suggest that on the same night, there was a party at the Johnsons’ flat, though Carrie was his fiancee at the time. A spokesperson for Mrs Johnson has rubbished the claims. 

Drinks after work 

A Treasury spokesperson said that several staff members had come in to work on the Spending Review. Apparently, they had drinks together after the event. 

Another staff departs 

On November 27, Johnson delivered another farewell speech while the lockdown remained in place. 

Party at Department for Education 

A party took place at Whitehall, the department’s quarters, and since then, it has acknowledged the mistake in organizing the same. 

Friday frankly at Downing Street 

A wine fridge was delivered to Downing Street, so the staff could enjoy wine on Fridays to let off steam during the COVID-19 lockdowns which banned socializing. Notably, PM Johnson is said to have encouraged such parties and attended a few of them himself. 

Party with mayoral candidate and staff 

Mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey apologized for the gathering at the Conservative Campaign Headquarters (CCHQ). He also resigned from his London Assembly’s police and crime committee role after news of this party surfaced. 

Quiz at Downing Street 

While Johnson insisted this was a virtual event, he was photographed with colleagues, one wearing a Santa hat. Downing Street admitted that Johnson had briefly attended the December 15, 2020 quiz. 

Department for Transport party

Department for Transport officials were seen dancing and drinking at the event on December 16, for which a spokesperson issued an apology. 

Christmas Party at the Cabinet Office 

On December 17, 2020, Cabinet Secretary Simon Case reportedly attended a party in room 103 of the Cabinet Office, organized by a private secretary on his team. The event was marked in digital calendars as ‘Christmas Party’. While the office admitted the event took place it refuted Case’s attendance.

Former COVID Taskforce head has farewell drinks 

Ironically, the former COVID taskforce head gathered in her office with a few people to share drinks before her departure and has now expressed regret over this decision. 

Also Read | What COVID rules did UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s parties break?

Downing Street Christmas party 

This party on December 18 kicked off the series of allegations. Several members gathered at this time, sharing a cheese board, drinking, and exchanging secret Santa gifts. Allegra Stratton, Johnson’s spokesperson, quit after she was filmed joking about the same in a mock press conference. 

Party before Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral 

The night before Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral, there were two events to mark the departure of Johnson’s director of communications and one of his personal photographers. Around 30 people reportedly attended for an evening of drinking and dancing. Notably, Johnson was supposed to be at Chequers and didn’t attend this event.