N0 10 ‘insiders’ claim

No 10 ‘insiders’ claim ‘routine’ Covid rule-breaking 

This afternoon the BBC has published multiple claims regarding Covid gatherings at Downing Street during lockdown restrictions from alleged “insiders”.

Yesterday evening ITV News published images that appear to show Boris Johnson drinking at a party in Downing Street during Covid restrictions.

This afternoon’s BBC exclusive included testimonies from No 10 insiders” claiming that drink events were a regular occurrence during Covid restrictions.

One individual said such events took place “every week” and stressed that “the event invites for Friday press office drinks were just nailed into the diary” with “Wine-Time Friday” events often set for 4:00 pm.

They claimed No 10 staff would arrive at work to discover “overflowing” bins and empty bottles.

  • They even said staff “made fun” of a Downing Street security guard attempted to break up a gathering.

They argued that No 10 was seen as a “bubble” where Covid laws did not really apply, at times when the rest of the country were legally obliged to follow them.

Sue Gray’s initial report on lockdown-defying parties at No 10 says the gatherings represented a ‘serious failure’ of judgement and leadership.

Her full report is said to be forthcoming after the conclusion of the Met’s criminal investigation into the matter was wrapped up last week.

Operation Hillman issued 126 fines in total, including two to Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak.