‘Raucous’ Tories party on at HQ

AN EXTRAORDINARY image has emerged of a “raucous” party thrown by Tory aides during Covid restrictions last Christmas.

It shows 24 people crowded into the party’s Westminster HQ – in breach of lockdown rules. Some of the group are shown wearing paper hats while one is sporting a House of Commons Christmas jumper.

The event, organised by top Tory Shaun Bailey’s mayoral campaign, took place on December 14 last year when London was in Tier 2.

After he was approached by our sister paper the Mirror last night, Bailey quit as chair of the London Assembly’s police and crime committee. The image also shows guests – including billionaire Tory donor Nick Candy – raising glasses of wine.

It emerged last week that Tory staff danced and drank wine late into the night and revellers damaged a door at the event.

The party took place the day before the No 10 festive quiz, where Boris Johnson was pictured as quizmaster, and four days ahead of the Downing Street Christmas bash.

The Tories have said that “formal disciplinary action” had been taken against four CCHQ staff.

Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner said: “This is damning new evidence of a party, with a buffet, drinks, Christmas attire and absolutely no social distancing.

“Shaun Bailey is an elected official that is breaking regulations in this photo. His position as chair was untenable and he knew that.”

The Shaun Bailey campaign said: “The campaign hosted a post-work event to thank staff. This was a serious error of judgment and we apologise unreservedly”.

A spokesperson for Candy said: “Nick Candy attended the Bailey campaign for an end-of-year review. He gave a thank you speech and spent some time with Shaun Bailey before leaving shortly afterwards.”