A great day for democracy
Sue Gray’s report into lockdown-busting parties in Downing Street has been published.
The damning publication contains photographs from the prime minister’s birthday on June 19th 2020, and the alleged former director of communications leaving-do on November 13th.
1. People were “being sick” from excessive drinking
On 18 June 2020, over 25 people gathered for a leaving do that took place to mark the departure of a No 10 official.
The report writes: “The event lasted for a number of hours. There was excessive alcohol consumption by some individuals.
“One individual was sick. There was a minor altercation between two other individuals.
“The event broke up in stages with a few members of staff leaving from around 21.00 and the last member of staff, who stayed to tidy up, leaving at 03.13.”
At the time, non-essential shops had just reopened – and Leicester would soon be entering it’s first city-only lockdown.
2. Johnson seems to be toasting alcohol in the middle of the day
A photograph from the prime minister’s birthday bash, for which he received a fine, seems to show him toasting a small can of beer.
This event took place during the middle of the day.
3. The PM’s Private Secretary joked that they had “gotten away with partying”
After one party, the report shows Boris Johnson’s Principal Private Secretary Martin Reynolds messaged a special adviser about a “complete non story” they were dealing with and noting that it was “better than them focusing on our drinks (which we seem to have got away with).”
[Martin Reynolds] [19:36] “Best of luck – a complete non story but better than them focusing on our drinks (which we seem to have got away with).´
4. Partying went on until 4AM the night before Prince Phillip’s funeral
On April 16 2021, after revellers broke Johnson’s son’s swing, partying went on until the early hours.
While some party-goers left Downing Street before midnight the report says: “exit logs indicate that some left after midnight and others between 01.45-02.45. Two members of staff stayed later still, with one leaving at 03.11 and the last leaving at 04:20”.
They were encouraged to leave by a back-door by a custodian tending to the Downing Street Estate.
5. Karaoke in the Cabinet
At one event, Helen MacNamara, Deputy Cabinet Secretary, attended for part of the evening and provided a karaoke machine which was set up in an adjoining office to the waiting room.
Key takeaways
Sue Gray’s report concludes that “the senior leadership at the centre, both political and official, must bear responsibility for this culture.” So far, only one person has resigned for partygate – and that’s Allegra Stratton.
It also says junior civil servants believed events were permitted given team leaders were present.
Related Links
- Partygate: Full list of Tories who have called for Boris Johnson to resign
- ‘They won’t send us to Rwanda’ – why refugees in Calais believe Priti Patel’s plans will never work
- Partygate: First photos of Boris Johnson on the piss during lockdown
