The Prime Minister is under fire once again after a leaked party invite email was revealed.
Stories of alleged parties during lockdown and Boris Johnson's attendance are currently being investigated by top civil servant Sue Gray, and now there are new questions for the PM to answer.
The fresh allegation is based on a leaked email sent during lockdown by Boris Johnson's Principal Private Secretary Martin Reynolds, which involves the proposal for "socially distanced drinks" and was sent to around to 100 No 10 staff.
Former advisor Dominic Cummings claimed he and another special advisor protested that the event "seemed to be against the rules and should not happen".
In a post on his Substack newsletter, he wrote: "We were ignored. I was ill and went home to bed early that afternoon but am told this event definitely happened."
So far, the PM has refused to deny his attendance.
So what did the email say and why is the PM in trouble?
The leaked email
Witnesses have since estimated that between 30 to 40 people attended a gathering on May 20, 2020 and sources claimed the PM went along with his wife Carrie, where there were tables with drinks, crisps, sausage rolls and picnic food.
The gathering was advertised in an email, seen by ITV, which carried the subject line "Socially Distanced Drinks! [OFFICIAL-SENSITIVE-No 10 ONLY]".
Around 100 staff are believed to have been invited, including the PM's advisors, door staff and speechwriters.
It read: "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!"
Why is Boris Johnson in trouble?
An official inquiry is currently looking into claims of parties in lockdown in Downing Street and Whitehall. According to sources, the contents of the email mean Sue Gray will have to interview the PM himself in her investigation into parties.
On the same day as the email, the Met Police released a video on strict guidance for those who wanted to leave the house. People were not allowed to mix with those outside their households.
Since the new allegations came to light, the Met released a statement stating they are in contact with Downing Street over alleged breaches. Previously, they have deemed reported instances in Whitehall as unworthy of investigation.
A Met spokesperson said: "The Metropolitan Police Service is aware of widespread reporting relating to alleged breaches of the Health Protection Regulations at Downing Street on 20 May 2020 and is in contact with the Cabinet Office."
Boris Johnson has also come under fire for hosting a Christmas quiz in No. 10 last year.
Sue Gray's investigation
Several instances of alleged gatherings have been reported. In December, government adviser Allegra Stratton resigned after she was caught on camera joking with other advisers about a Christmas gathering that had involved cheese and wine.
In the wake of this, the PM said to the House of Commons: "I can understand how infuriating it must be to think that the people who have been setting the rules, have not been following the rules, because I was also furious."
Ms Gray is understood to be investigating four events in 2020 which the PM is thought to have attended:
- May 15: Garden party at No 10. in which Boris and Carrie Johnson were pictured in the garden with wine, cheese and more than a dozen other people. No10 said this was an outdoor work meeting.
- May 20: Second garden party at No 10. with more than 100 staff told to 'BYOB' by top civil servant Martin Reynolds.
- November 27: Leaving do Sources told the Mirror 40 to 50 people crammed into a room in No 10 to see off top aide Cleo Watson.
- December 15: Christmas quiz The Prime Minister was pictured on screen, sitting beneath a portrait of Margaret Thatcher, as he read out questions. He was flanked by two colleagues, one wearing a Santa hat, while the other was draped in tinsel.
Who is Martin Reynolds?
The invitation email was sent by Downing Street civil servant Martin Reynolds.
Reynolds was appointed as Principal Private Secretary to the Prime Minister in 2019 and has previously been an ambassador to Libya.
Key details of the email, including the phrase "socially distanced drinks", have caused speculation over Reynolds' future in the role.
His role means he works extremely closely with the PM, who has so far refused to deny any attendance at the alleged party.
The PM said: "All that, as you know, is the subject of a proper investigation by Sue Gray."
Downing Street also refused to comment three times on whether the PM attended.
The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "As I've made clear before there’s an independent process going on to look into this led by Sue Gray and I can't comment further while that's taking place."
