PM jeered by Commons as he denies No 10 party claims in wake of bombshell clip

The Prime Minister was met with jeers this afternoon when he told MPs that he “apologise[s] unreservedly for the offence” caused by a leaked video showing Downing Street aides joking about No 10’s alleged Christmas party last December, while practising for then Press Secretary Allegra Stratton’s planned TV briefings.

Mr Johnson told Prime Minister’s Questions that he “shares the anger” resulting “up and down the country” regarding the alleged party, and that he “ apologises for the impression” the leaked video gives.

He continued to deny that a party took place, saying: “But I repeat that I have been repeatedly assured since these allegations emerged that there was no party and that no Covid rules were broken, and that is what I have been repeatedly assured,” he went on, saying that he has requested that
the Cabinet Secretary conduct an inquiry.

“I have asked the Cabinet Secretary to establish all the facts and to report back as soon as possible – and it goes without saying that if those rules were broken then there will be disciplinary action for all those involved,” he explained.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer told the Commons: “Her Majesty the Queen sat alone when she marked the passing of the man she’d been married to for 73 years. Leadership, sacrifice – that’s what gives leaders the moral authority to lead.

“Does the Prime Minister think he has the moral authority to lead and to ask the British people to stick to the rules?”

Mr Johnson replied, accusing the Labour Party, “and the Labour leader in particular” of having “played politics throughout this pandemic.”

He argued that Sir Keir was attempting to “muddy the waters, to confuse the public and to cause needless confusion about the guidance” during the pandemic.

Sir Keir hit back: “That’s so desperate and even his own side can see it.”

The Prime Minister was met with jeers this afternoon when he told MPs that he “apologise[s] unreservedly for the offence” caused by a leaked video showing Downing Street aides joking about No 10’s alleged Christmas party last December, while practising for then Press Secretary Allegra Stratton’s planned TV briefings.

Mr Johnson told Prime Minister’s Questions that he “shares the anger” resulting “up and down the country” regarding the alleged party, and that he “ apologises for the impression” the leaked video gives.

He continued to deny that a party took place, saying: “But I repeat that I have been repeatedly assured since these allegations emerged that there was no party and that no Covid rules were broken, and that is what I have been repeatedly assured,” he went on, saying that he has requested that
the Cabinet Secretary conduct an inquiry.

“I have asked the Cabinet Secretary to establish all the facts and to report back as soon as possible – and it goes without saying that if those rules were broken then there will be disciplinary action for all those involved,” he explained.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer told the Commons: “Her Majesty the Queen sat alone when she marked the passing of the man she’d been married to for 73 years. Leadership, sacrifice – that’s what gives leaders the moral authority to lead.

“Does the Prime Minister think he has the moral authority to lead and to ask the British people to stick to the rules?”

Mr Johnson replied, accusing the Labour Party, “and the Labour leader in particular” of having “played politics throughout this pandemic.”

He argued that Sir Keir was attempting to “muddy the waters, to confuse the public and to cause needless confusion about the guidance” during the pandemic.

Sir Keir hit back: “That’s so desperate and even his own side can see it.”