The state of the parties
ALETHA ADU
May 10, 2020: Boris Johnson reveals plans to take the nation slowly out of lockdown. He urges Brits to continue to follow the rules and says fines will be increased for rule breakers. At the time people could only meet one person outside of their homes in an outdoor setting while exercising. May 15: The PM and his staff are photographed with bottles of wine and a cheeseboard in the Downing Street garden. Johnson said those who attended were talking about work. May 20: About 100 people are invited via email to attend a “socially distanced BYOB drinks” party in the No10 garden. Johnson said he was there for 25 minutes and thought it was a
work event. FLAT GATHERING November 5: Carrie Johnson
The second national lockdown begins. Indoor gatherings with other households are banned, unless they are for work. November 13: Officials attend a gathering with Carrie Johnson in the Downing Street flat, the BBC has since reported. Carrie Johnson’s spokesman denied the party took place. November 27: A leaving do is held for then-No10 aide Cleo Watson, with drinks and a speech from the PM. Reports emerged at the end of 2021. December 2: The second national lockdown ends. London is placed in Tier 2, which bans two or more households from meeting indoors unless for “reasonably necessary” work purposes. December 10: The Department for Education holds an office gathering to thank staff for their work. This is confirmed in December a year later. December 14: The Conservative Party holds what is later called an “unauthorised gathering” in its HQ. December 15: No10 staff hold a quiz. A photo in the Sunday Mirror later shows Boris Johnson present. He has denied any
wrongdoing. December 16: London moves to Tier 3 restrictions.
The Department TORY SHAME for Transport has Record yesterday
a party in its HQ. December 17: Cabinet Office holds a “boozy” leaving do for the head of the civil service Covid Taskforce Kate Josephs, who apologised last night. December 18: Downing Street staff hold their official Christmas party, first revealed by the Mirror. The reports are initially denied. April 12, 2021: Lockdown restrictions ease in England but meeting other households indoors is banned. Meeting others outdoors is limited to groups of six, or two households. April 16: Downing Street staff enjoy two parties, the night before Prince Philip’s funeral. One is a leaving do for the PM’s then director of communications James Slack, now deputy editor of The Sun.