On the 16th of December 2020, London moved into the highest tier of epidemiological restrictions. Only two days later, a video was recorded showing Downing Street staff having a Christmas party despite the government’s urging of the population “not to have a work Christmas lunch or party”

The PM said he shared people’s anger and had ordered an inquiry into whether rules had been broken. He apologised „unreservedly” for the offence caused by the video clip, claiming it made him “furious”. He said he had been „repeatedly assured that there was no party and that no Covid rules were broken„. Boris Johnson also assured he took “full responsibility for everything the government has done.„

Opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer commented on these statements by claiming that Boris Johnson was “taking people for fools” and that the PM “should just admit” what had happened. Sir Starmer questioned Boris Johnson’s „moral authority” to lead the country during the pandemic, putting his actions in contrast with those of the Queen.

„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,” stated the leader of the Labour Party.

Downing Street insisted in the last few days that no party had taken place at all on the 18th of December 2020. But that line fell apart when the video emerged showing No 10 staff joking about the party four days after it had taken place. 

At the time, the government’s coronavirus guidance specifically stated that people should not have Christmas parties – and gatherings in London of two or more people indoors were banned unless they were „reasonably necessary” for work.

Sebastien Meuwissen

Photo: Twitter @BorisJohnson