Exclusive
Downing Street private office drunk booze and stayed late on the last Friday before Christmas 2020, when group socialising was barred.
Was on Dec 18 (same night as the infamous press party). Martin Reynolds attended. Three sources speak to Tel.
telegraph.co.uk/politics/2022/…
Downing Street private office drunk booze and stayed late on the last Friday before Christmas 2020, when group socialising was barred.
Was on Dec 18 (same night as the infamous press party). Martin Reynolds attended. Three sources speak to Tel.
telegraph.co.uk/politics/2022/…
The private office is where Johnson’s inner circle of civil servants + closest aides work.
One source in Downing St that night told us: “Everyone was talking about going to the private office drinks as well.”
One source in Downing St that night told us: “Everyone was talking about going to the private office drinks as well.”
Lord Lister, then the PM’s chief of staff who worked in private office, tells Tel booze was drunk in lead-up to Christmas there.
“In the run-up to Christmas I’m sure we had a drink. But I want to stress I have no memory of parties. This is sat at one’s desk and having a drink.”
“In the run-up to Christmas I’m sure we had a drink. But I want to stress I have no memory of parties. This is sat at one’s desk and having a drink.”
Downing Street this evening is not denying a) alcohol was drunk in private office on Dec 18 2020 and b) Martin Reynolds was present.
But they are saying firmly it was not a party. No10 spokes: “A number of private office staff worked late into the evening on the Covid response.”
But they are saying firmly it was not a party. No10 spokes: “A number of private office staff worked late into the evening on the Covid response.”
Important to note that weekend tougher Covid rules were announced, which would have been a big focus for No10 staff.
Whether it broke Covid rules depends on whether it was socialising or work, according to legal expert. …
Whether it broke Covid rules depends on whether it was socialising or work, according to legal expert. …
Barrister @AdamWagner1, who follows Covid laws closely, says:
“It is not particularly legally complicated. Was it a work gathering or was it a social gathering?
“If it was an after-work gathering for socialising, with alcohol, that would not have been in the rules.”
“It is not particularly legally complicated. Was it a work gathering or was it a social gathering?
“If it was an after-work gathering for socialising, with alcohol, that would not have been in the rules.”
Other separate allegations emerging tonight - including that Reynolds tried to organise a leaving do in the summer of 2020 but dropped plans after internal push back.
Should be noted Reynolds is a civil servant and does not speak publicly. He has not commented on all claims this week. We put our reporting to No10 for a response that way.
Reporting with @Tony_Diver and @HarryYorke1. Full story can be read here:
telegraph.co.uk/politics/2022/…
Reporting with @Tony_Diver and @HarryYorke1. Full story can be read here:
telegraph.co.uk/politics/2022/…
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