Invitees were told to 'bring your own booze' to the lockdown party
The Metropolitan Police has confirmed that they are in contact with the Cabinet Office over revelations of a reported No 10 lockdown party in May 2020.
On Monday, an email was leaked showing in which the prime minister’s private secretary, Martin Reynolds,
invited more than 100 Downing Street employees to a party on May 20 to "make the most of the lovely weather."
Reynolds encouraged attendees to “bring your own booze”.
The full email says: "Hi all,
"After what has been an incredibly busy period we thought it would be nice to make the most of the lovely weather and have some socially distanced drinks in the No10 garden this evening.
"Please join us from 6pm and bring your own booze!"
According to
ITV, around 40 people attended the party including Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie.
The Met has now confirmed it has contacted the Cabinet Office over "alleged breaches of the Health Protection Regulations at Downing Street on May 20 2020."
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A spokesman for Scotland Yard said: "The Metropolitan Police Service is aware of widespread reporting relating to alleged breaches of the Health Protection Regulations at Downing Street on May 20 2020 and is in contact with the Cabinet Office.”
The force
decided not to investigate previous allegations of parties and gatherings at Downing Street that broke lockdown rules.
The alleged May 20 party was just five days after another gathering that took place in the garden of No 10, where
the PM and his wife were pictured having wine and cheese.
On the same day as the BYOB party organised by Reynolds, the Met tweeted out a warning encouraging the public to adhere to the continued strict Covid rules.
https://twitter.com/metpoliceuk/status/1263108555961442304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1263108555961442304%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fd-18610133393211981648.ampproject.net%2F2111242025001%2Fframe.html
Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner said the Prime Minister "should be ashamed", describing the allegations of further rule-breaking at No 10 as "despicable".
No 10 has said it will not be commenting on the new allegations whilst an investigation into other lockdown-breaking gatherings in government is underway.
