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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Politics
Ben Glaze & Sam Elliott-Gibbs

Boris Johnson attends plush Chequers goodbye bash after skipping latest Cobra meeting

Boris Johnson is enjoying his lavish goodbye bash at Chequers after skipping a second emergency Cobra meeting.

Aides and pals have flocked to the 16th Century Chequers mansion in the Buckinghamshire countryside as the lame duck Tory leader marks his final days in power.

The Prime Minister has dodged the latest crucial government discussion as the UK braces for an unprecedented heatwave.

The outgoing PM sat out his second emergency meeting in a row, leaving Cabinet Office Minister Kit Malthouse to deal with the record temperatures expected on Monday and Tuesday.

He has has been left to coordinate emergency plans as the NHS, roads and railways brace for the mercury to soar.

Invites to Mr Johnson's latest bash were titled 'leaving do'.

Boris Johnson is saying goodbye to colleagues as a crucial Cobra meeting takes place (PA)

Mr Johnson's premiership was scuppered after Mirror revelations of boozy lockdown-busting gatherings in Downing Street.

A spokesman said tonight's party was a 'private event'.

Armed police were seen guarding lanes around the sprawling estate, while marshalls wearing hi-vis vests in the sweltering heat told guests where to park.

Vehicles were seen lined up on the sun-baked grass.

Aides and pals flocked to the 16th Century Chequers mansion in the Buckinghamshire countryside (Getty Images)

Labour blasted the PM, who was fined for a lockdown-busting event in Downing Street.

The Opposition party has accused Mr Johnson of being "missing in action", with his penchant for partying during times of crisis a running theme of his premiership.

The Prime Minister infamously missed five Cobra meetings while the Government sleepwalked into the Covid-19 pandemic.

Boris and Carrie have been hosting a farewell party all weekend at the mansion (via REUTERS)

Mr Johnson defended attending leaving parties for No10 staff throughout the pandemic, when indoor gatherings were banned.

Boris Johnson has gone missing in action again," Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner said.

"He’s back to his old tricks of skipping important COBRA meetings. Where’s the plan for the delivery of essential services and how people will be kept safe at work, on transport, in schools, hospitals and care homes?

Boris and Carrie are also planning a delayed wedding party at the property (Downing Street via Getty Images)

"The public will have no confidence in this zombie Conservative government responding swiftly and decisively to this national emergency as this disgraced Prime Minister prepares to party while Britain boils.

"If he still can’t take the responsibility of the job, he should leave right now.”

Shadow Paymaster General Fleur Anderson added: “The Prime Minister is partying while Britain boils, and his zombie Cabinet are too distracted with Tory infighting to do their jobs.”

The Mirror revealed the couple had planned a party at the grace and favour mansion later this month to mark their marriage - and sources claimed the do was part of the reason Mr Johnson wanted to cling on in Downing Street.

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