Boris Johnson, United Kingdom’s Prime Minister, has yet again landed into controversy after leaked emails from his top officials revealed that Downing Street received an invitation to a party amid the first COVID-19 lockdown.

Martin Reynolds, who is the PM’s principal private secretary, sent out an email to more than 100 government personnel for a “socially distanced” round of drinks in the Number 10 garden. The email was sent on May 20, 2020, when Britain had imposed extensive restrictions, according to reports from CNN.

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In the invitation for the “Bring your own booze” gathering, Reynolds wrote, “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 No10 garden this evening.” The email was first published by ITV News on Monday.

Sue Gray, a British civil servant, had been previously hired by cabinet officials in order to probe reports of such parties that were hosted while COVID-19 restrictions were still in place. 

When asked about the parties and if he attended them, Prime Minister Johnson said on Monday, “That as you know, is the subject of a proper investigation by Sue Gray“, according to reports from CNN.

Johnson has previously been at the centre of such controversies multiple times. In December 2021, a photo of the Prime Minister emerged, in which he was seen having a drink with Downing Street staff during a gathering that reportedly took place on May 15, 2020.

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Another such case was tied to Downing Street’s Christmas celebrations in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic was in full swing.

While responding to the Downing Street photo leak, a spokesperson tagged it as a “work meeting”. According to CNN reported, the spokesperson said, “On this occasion, there were staff meetings following a No. 10 press conference.”