Is satire dead? Party Marty ‘posted to dry Saudi Arabia’
A FORMER Downing Street official at the heart of the partygate scandal is set to be the next British ambassador in Saudi Arabia, The Daily Telegraph understands.
Martin Reynolds – who earned the nickname “Party Marty” for his role in organising a gathering during lockdown – is believed to be the frontrunner for the role.
As Boris Johnson’s principal private secretary, he was responsible for running the Prime Minister’s office. He took up the role in 2019 but he left this year amid a public backlash over allegations of rule-breaking parties.
During the first lockdown, on 20 May 2020, Mr Reynolds sent an email inviting Downing Street staff to a “bring your own booze” event. It read: “Hi all. After what has been an incredibly busy period it would be nice to make the most of the lovely weather and have some socially-distanced drinks in the No10 garden this evening. Please join us from 6pm and bring your own booze!”
A Whitehall source said “no formal decisions” had been made about the Saudi Arabia ambassador post and that the Foreign Secretary had not yet signed off the appointment.
Alcohol is illegal in Saudi Arabia and some commentators have pointed out the irony of Mr Reynolds being sent to a dry state in the wake of partygate. Alistair Carmichael, a Liberal Democrat MP, said: “At this point it’s the satirists I feel sorry for.”
Separately, it was claimed Labour staffers had posted a picture on Facebook – subsequently deleted – of Sir Keir holding up a Consett AFC football shirt during the “beergate” night on April 30, 2021.
He was photographed drinking beer in an MP’S office last spring when Covid rules banned indoor gatherings, except for work purposes. Sir Keir has vowed to resign if he is issued with a fixed penalty notice over the event.
Brendan Clarke-smith, a Conservative MP, said the photo was “yet another disastrous own goal for Starmer” adding: “Does this look like hard work that was absolutely necessary? I’m sure Durham Constabulary will also be considering this evidence.”