Cakegate and beergate The Covid rules in place at the time

Britons were only allowed to meet indoors for work at the time of both the Durham campaign event attended by Sir Keir Starmer and the “birthday party” that saw Boris Johnson fined by the Met.

England was at “Covid Alert Level 3” when the PM attended a small gathering in Downing Street to mark his 56th on June 19 2020.

Socially distanced groups of up to six could meet outdoors, but all indoor socialising was prohibited, except where “reasonably necessary” for work purposes.

The country had moved to “Step 2” guidance when Sir Keir was pictured drinking beer before his team took delivery of a takeaway in a constituency office on April 30 2021.

Socialising indoors with anybody outside your household or support bubble was again banned except for work.

Sir Keir insists he and his team returned to their work after they “stopped for food”.