Social calendar
‘Gatherings’ in Downing Street
May 10 2020 – Lockdown restrictions are reaffirmed by PM Boris Johnson announces the first “careful steps” out of lockdown but social distancing must still be obeyed. Fines to be increased for those found leaving the home without a reasonable excuse.
May 15 – Garden meeting
A picture shows the PM with Carrie, his wife, and about 15 members of staff enjoying cheese and wine in the garden of Downing Street. No10 and Mr Johnson claimed this was a work event and did not break any rules.
May 20 – “Bring your own booze” garden drinks
Martin Reynolds, Mr Johnson’s private secretary, sent an email to more than 100 staff, inviting them to go to the garden and bring their own drinks. It is claimed that about 40 people attended the gathering, including Mr and Mrs Johnson.
Nov 5 – New lockdown rules
Guidance states those who can work from home should do so and only education, essential activities and emergencies are reasons for leaving the house. Indoor gatherings with other households are also banned.
Nov 13 – Dom’s leaving do
Dominic Cummings claims a party took place in the PM’S flat on the evening he was sacked from his role as chief aide. Mr Johnson said that whatever happened, rules were followed.
Nov 25 – Treasury party
Reports emerge of a drinks party to celebrate Rishi Sunak’s spending review. About two dozen civil servants are believed to have attended the event at the Treasury. The Chancellor was not believed to have attended or known about it.
Nov 27 – Leaving party for adviser
The Prime Minister is accused of giving a speech at a Downing Street party for Cleo Watson, attended by up to 50 people. No10 denies that Covid rules were broken.
Dec 2 2020 – London enters
Tier 2 rules Indoor meetings of two or more people from different households are banned in the capital, unless it is “reasonably necessary” for work purposes.
Dec 10 – Department for Education (DFE) Christmas party
DFE confirms that more than 20 people gathered in the staff canteen for a drink at the request of Gavin William-son, the then education secretary. Simon Case, the Cabinet secretary, is asked to investigate the gathering. Mid-dec – Simon Case at drinks party Mr Case is forced to stop looking into any party breaches after it emerged he had attended an impromptu drinks gathering in his Whitehall Office.
Dec 14 – Shaun Bailey’s party
The London mayoral candidate was forced to apologise for attending a party at the Tory Party’s campaign HQ in London alongside 24 other people. He later stepped down from two committee chairmanships at the London Assembly.
Dec 15 – Christmas quiz
A picture emerges of the PM in Downing Street hosting an online quiz alongside two members of his team. A spokesman for No10 claims it was a virtual event.
Dec 16 – Department for Transport Christmas party
About a dozen of Grant Shapps’s staff are accused of “boozing and dancing” on the same day that London moved to the highest tier of restrictions. The department apologised and Mr Shapps said he had no idea about the event.
Dec 18 – No 10 Christmas party
About 40 of the PM’S top team are reported to have held a party with secret Santa gifts. Mr Johnson told MPS that guidance had been followed, a claim disputed after a video emerges of Allegra Stratton, the Downing Street press secretary, joking with an adviser about a lack of social distancing. It is thought another party took place that same evening, organised by Martin Reynolds.
Apr 16 2021
Two separate leaving parties were held the day before the Prince Philip’s funeral. One was for the PM’S departing director of communications, James Slack. Step 2 restrictions then forbade all gatherings indoors, and groups of more than six outdoors.