PM’S backing for ‘party’ secretary
THE senior Downing Street official who invited more than 100 employees to a “bring your own booze” party in the No 10 garden during Covid restrictions retains the full confidence of the Prime Minister.
Boris Johnson’s official spokesman confirmed Martin Reynolds, the Prime Minister’s principal private secretary, “continues in his role” after ITV news revealed he invited employees to the gathering during England’s first lockdown in May 2020.
Asked whether Mr Johnson still had full confidence in one of his most senior aides, the spokesman said he did.
The leaked email said: “Hi all, after what has been an incredibly busy period we thought it would be nice to make the most of the lovely weather and have some socially distanced drinks in the No 10 garden this evening. Please join us from 6pm and bring your own booze!”
Mr Johnson avoided scrutiny over the allegation yesterday, as paymaster general Michael Ellis was instead dispatched to face an urgent question in the Commons. Asked what the Prime Minister was doing rather than responding himself, the PM’S spokesman said: “I don’t have the full diary in front of me at the moment but it’s not uncommon, obviously, for Government ministers to answer these sorts of questions.”
The Prime Minister has refused to say whether he attended the gathering along with his now wife Carrie, although it has been widely reported he was there.
Downing Street officials have also refused to be drawn on details of the allegations because they are being examined by senior official Sue Gray as part of her investigation into claims of lockdown-busting parties in Whitehall and Downing Street.
Mr Ellis told MPS: “It will establish the facts and if wrongdoing is established there will be requisite disciplinary action taken.
“As with all internal investigations, if evidence emerges of what was potentially a criminal offence, the matter would be referred to the Metropolitan Police and the Cabinet Office investigation would be paused.”
Scotland Yard has said it is in contact with the Cabinet Office about the allegations.
Labour’s deputy leader Angela Rayner, whose urgent question led to Mr Ellis being hauled before MPS, said: “It is incredibly disappointing, but not unsurprising, that the Prime Minister of whom I asked this question is not here today despite not having any official engagements. I think his absence speaks volumes, as does his smirks on the media – the public have already drawn their own conclusions. He can run but he can’t hide.”
The Tory benches were sparsely populated, offering little support for Mr Ellis, while emotions were running high among those posing questions to the minister.
The DUP’S Jim Shannon broke down as he recalled his mother-in-law “who died alone”, while several MPS raised cases of constituents who suffered losses during the pandemic and were unable to attend funerals due to the restrictions that were in place.