COPS: WE WILL MAKE CONTACT WITH PARTY 2

Met probes Tory bash as PM faces new claims

THIS explosive image showing 24 people partying at Conservative campaign HQ last December has triggered a Met Police probe.

And there may be another event to investigate as PM Boris Johnson last night faced new allegations that he joined No10 staff for a party in Downing Street, with pizza and wine, during the first lockdown on May 15, 2020.

Police last night said they were “aware of a gathering” at the CCHQ address in Matthew Parker Street, SW1, on December 14, 2020.

At the time, London was in Tier 2, which banned indoor social mixing between households.

The Met statement said: “Officers will be making contact with two people who attended in relation to alleged breaches of the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations.”

In among the aides in our picture is London mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey, who quit as chairman of the London Assembly’s police and crime committee on Tuesday amid fury at the party.

The Met said they were also looking into events at No10 and the Department for Education.

They were “in contact” with the Cabinet Office but would not open an investigation as yet.

Top civil servant Simon Case is investigating No10 parties, including a leaving do on November 27, a festive quiz on December 15 and a Christmas bash on December 18.

He is also looking into a party held by then-Education Secretary Gavin Williamson. The Guardian and Independent last night claimed that in the first lockdown Johnson joined about 20 civil servants and Tory aides, who allegedly had drinks inside No10 and in the garden, some staying late into the evening.

Johnson allegedly told one attendee they deserved a drink for “beating back” the coronavirus, which that day killed 314 people.

At the time, people were banned from mixing outdoors with more than one person from a different household, while indoor gatherings were strictly forbidden.

The Guardian and Independent claimed the event happened after a press conference with the thenHealth Secretary Matt Hancock.

The PM’s spokesman said: “In the summer months Downing Street staff regularly use the garden for some meetings.

“On May 15, 2020, the Prime Minister held a series of meetings ... including briefly with the then Health Secretary and his team.

“The Prime Minister went to his residence shortly after 7pm.”

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby told the BBC he was “disappointed” to see the CCHQ party photo.

Around that time, he was offering prayers to the dying at nearby St Thomas’ Hospital.

He said: “We must obey the rules.”

Officials will make contact with two people MET POLICE STATEMENT ON PARTY AT CCHQ