Boris Johnson has ducked questions over a 'bring your own booze' party held in Downing Street during the height of lockdown last year.
Police are in contact with the Cabinet Office over claims that a senior aide to the Prime Minister organised the party in May 2020.
Martin Reynolds, the Prime Minister’s principal private secretary, sent an email to more than 100 Downing Street employees inviting them to “make the most of the lovely weather” in the garden.
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England was under tough coronavirus restrictions which banned groups from meeting socially outdoors at the time the message was sent.
The leaked email, obtained by ITV News, said: “Hi all, after what has been an incredibly busy period we thought it would be nice to make the most of the lovely weather and have some socially distanced drinks in the No 10 garden this evening.
“Please join us from 6pm and bring your own booze!”
Mr Johnson avoided scrutiny over the email on Tuesday, as paymaster general Michael Ellis was instead dispatched to face an urgent question in the Commons.
Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner said: “Despite having no official engagements listed today, the Prime Minister has again failed to turn up to Parliament and face the music.
“His absence speaks volumes. Boris Johnson holds the British public in contempt.
“While key workers toiled round the clock on the frontline, families lost loved ones and the entire country sacrificed our freedoms, the Prime Minister was partying.
“The Government is rotten to its core.”
Mr Ellis said: "I apologise again unreservedly for the upset that these allegations have caused.”
He repeated an investigation is taking place and confirmed allegations relating to other gatherings on May 15 and May 2020 are part of this work.
Mr Ellis went on: “It will establish the facts and if wrongdoing is established there will be requisite disciplinary action taken.
“As with all internal investigations, if evidence emerges of what was a potentially criminal offence the matter would be referred to the Metropolitan Police and the Cabinet Office’s work may be paused.”
Mr Ellis said it “would not be appropriate” for him to comment on an ongoing investigation.
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