The plans No10 aides’ messages

‘Hi all, After what has been an incredibly busy period we thought it would be nice to make the most of this lovely weather and have some socially distanced drinks in the garden this evening. Please join us from 6pm and bring your own booze! Martin.’

Email from Martin Reynolds, the PM’S principal private secretary, to Downing Street staff on May 20 2020

‘I’m sure it will be fine – and I applaud the gesture – but a 200-odd person invitation for drinks in the garden of No 10 is somewhat of a comms risk in the current environment.’

Lee Cain, director of communications, to Reynolds less than an hour later

‘Just to flag that the press conference will probably be finishing around that time, so helpful if people can be mindful of that as speakers and cameras are leaving, not walking around waving bottles of wine etc.’

Unnamed special adviser in Whatsapp message to Reynolds before the May 20 party

‘Best of luck – a complete non story but better than them focusing on our drinks (which we seem to have got away with).’

Whatsapp message from Reynolds to an unnamed official following the May 20 event

Whatsapp messages on June 12 between Reynolds and Cain before the June 18 party that involved karaoke, pizza and prosecco

Reynolds: “No 10 official’s leaving drinks next week – can we discuss handling!”

Cain: “Yes – not sure how we do it but want to do something”

Reynolds: “Is it safer to do a larger event indoors but with some people carrying on outside afterwards?”

Cain: “I’m not sure it works at all to be honest, which would be a shame. I don’t see how we can have some kind of party though”

Reynolds: “So you are saying nothing for [No 10 official]?”

Cain: “I think it’s your decision my friend, not mind [sic]! But it obviously comes with rather substantial comms risks”