Today, Dominic Raab defended Boris Johnson’s wife Carrie. They were photographed in Downing Street at a table with cheese and wine. This was during lockdown. Only two were permitted to socialise outdoors.
Two people were sitting around a table, including the Prime Minister’s wife. On Friday, May 15, 2020, 13 others were standing nearby with their bottles of alcohol.
Dominic Raab (Deputy Prime Minister, Justice Secretary) said today that drinking a beer ‘after an extended day or week’ is not against regulations. He was being asked about the picture.
Times Radio reported that Mr Raab stated: “Downing Street used this garden as a work place. The garden was also used by Downing Street for their work meetings. It was taken at a time when I believe the Prime Minister just gave a press conference.
“And they might have a beer after a hard day, or even a week. It’s okay to do so.
The Guardian has obtained a picture that raises questions about Downing Street’s claim of a “work meeting” at the same time as a social event. The Guardian also found out that it was a photo taken by The Guardian.
Raab said that Johnson’s then-fiancee Carrie was there. He also stated: “It’s not only a work place for the staff in Number 10, and the Prime Minster, it’s the home of the Prime minister and his young family. Because Carrie visited and spent some time there, I don’t believe it can be classified as party.
Last May, two persons from two different homes were restricted from meeting outside the UK.
Last week, No10 denied that there had been a social event. Instead, a spokesperson stated that Downing Street employees were in the garden during the afternoon and evening.
However, the photo shows Boris Johnson (left) and Carrie Johnson (right), with alcohol and wine on their plates.
This revelation added pressure to the Prime Minister, who is being accused of “haemorrhaging trust public”, with 51% of Conservative voters believing that he is lying.
Boris Johnson with his wife Carrie were photographed in Downing Street’s garden, at a table serving cheese and wine. This was during lockdown. Only two persons allowed outside. Pictured in October: Carrie and the PM
This revelation added pressure to the Prime Minister, who has been accused of “haemorrhaging trust” with scandals involving the Christmas party. Pictured: Allegra Stratton
On Monday morning, the Guardian printed the picture on the front cover of its newspaper.
When asked about his photo of Prime Minister Boris Johnson (right), Dominic Raab, the Deputy Prime Minister (left), said that he could have a drink after a hard day (or week) but it was okay.
According to a 38 Degrees Survation poll, Johnson’s trustworthiness dropped by eight points since the beginning of March in light of party scandals. Just a third Tory voters believe Johnson is honest.
According to The Mirror, 68% of voters believe Johnson is dishonest, while 63% say that he is untrustworthy.
Angela Rayner was the Labour deputy leader and said that the photograph was an insult to the British public.
Rayner said: “The prime minister repeatedly shows that he doesn’t care about the rules he sets for us all. An alleged drinking problem and excessive partying into the night [at No 10]The rest of us had just recently started to take one day off.
This is just the latest episode in a row about partying at No 10. Downing Street was accused of hosting four parties last year that violated Covid restrictions.
Johnson ordered a civil inquiry, but Johnson fired the civil servant who was to be his leader. He was made aware that there was an injuriry in his own department and he spoke at it.
The Prime Minister suffered another hammer blow yesterday after his ally Lord Frost dramatically quit as Brexit Minister slating Covid curbs and high taxes.
Lord Frost, up to now a close ally of Mr Johnson, walked out with a parting shot at the ‘direction of travel’ and saying he had hoped the end of lockdown would be ‘irreversible’.
Boris Johnson’s government has seen Lord Frost, Cabinet Minister, resign dramatically
Boris Johnson (pictured in June with Carrie Johnson) is seen as they sit at the table, sharing a cheeseboard with wine and a couple.
The new photo shows Boris Johnson and Carrie Johnson sitting together at a table with wine and cheese with two other people, believed to be an assistant and a civil servant.
The same day, Matt Hancock, then the Health Secretary of the United Kingdom had called for the British public not to socialize in outside groups and to adhere to the Covid rules.
People were permitted to go back to work after the meeting, but guidance advised that two-metre social distances be maintained at all times. Only necessary attendees should attend meetings.
On Sunday, a Downing Street spokesperson stated that: “As we mentioned last week in our weekly press conference, many work meetings take place in Downing Street’s garden during the summer months. After the No 10 press conference, staff met on this occasion.
“Downing Street” is both the home and work place of the prime minister. Prime minister’s spouse lives at No 10. Therefore, he also legally uses the garden.
The accusation comes at a time when Downing Street was accused of having held four parties under lockdown.ncluding a quiz attended by dozens of staff and which the Prime Minister helped to host on December 15 – three days before another Christmas party which is being investigated.
Previous to the lockdowns No10 insisted that Downing Street was ‘often required’ to be present in the office during pandemic responses. Therefore, ‘those in the office for work might have been able to attend virtually from their desks.
The Mirror reported that a message from No10’s Head of HR advised those who stayed behind to participate in the quiz to ‘go out of the back’ after they had left.
Johnson stated that an inquiry would be conducted to examine the claims. Following revelations that Simon Case was involved in a quiz held at his department, the Cabinet Secretary resigned.
MailOnline knows that one event took place on December 17. Last year. A mail titled Christmas Quiz was sent to about 15 people at Mr Case’s Private Office.
Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of Britain speaks to members the Metropolitan Police during a break-room visit at Uxbridge’s police station on December 17th 2021
Whitehall heavyweight Sue Gray was installed at his request to conduct inquiries into the three gatherings that took place at Downing Street in November last year and December last. These were during prohibition of indoor mixing.
According to the terms of Mr Case’s then-current investigation, it was possible for it to be extended to cover any pertinent allegations.
Gavin Barwell, ex-No. 10 chief of staff said that he couldn’t imagine a more qualified person for the review than Sue Gray.
Meanwhile, Chris Bryant, chair of the Committee on Standards, said it appeared that no-one knew what was going on in Downing Street.
BBC Breakfast was informed by the Labour MP that the Whitehall political situation was ‘farcical’. He said, “It feels like Downing Street has gone completely sour.” No one seems to understand what is going on.
Angela Rayner, Labour’s deputy leader, said that Ms Gray has now been given the responsibility of rebuilding public trust.
Ms Gray, who is second permanent secretary at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, was once described by BBC Newsnight’s then policy editor as ‘the most powerful person you’ve never heard of’.
On Friday, Richard Holden, Tory MP and commentator on the same program, described her as “formidable” and stated that she wasn’t a pushover.
After Andrew Mitchell, ex-chief whip of the party was charged with calling a Downing Street policeman a “pleb” at Downing Street Gates, Mitchell described Mitchell as a “deputy God” in an interview in 2012.
A spokesperson from Downing Street stated in a statement that: “To maintain the public’s confidence, the Cabinet Secretary has resigned for the rest of the process.
Sue Gray, second permanent Secretary at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, is expected to conclude the work.
“She will investigate the facts and report her findings to Prime Minister.”
Sources claimed that the alcohol was consumed at desks where six or more people were present. Others participated virtually. However, there wasn’t any catering.
Whitehall heavy hitter Sue Gray (pictured above) has been installed in Simon Case’s place to carry out inquiries into three alleged gatherings at Downing Street and the Department for Education in November and December last year, when indoor mixing was banned
On Friday, Cabinet Secretary was forced to resign from his leadership of the inquiry into the alleged gatherings. He was informed that his own department had held a quiz and he spoke at it.
MailOnline has learned that there was one event on December 17, last year. An email titled “Christmas Quiz” was sent to approximately 15 people at Mr Case’s Private Office. (file photo).
Lord Barwell stated to BBC Radio 4 Today that Sue Gray was the best person for this task.
“She was in charge of ethics and propriety in the government while I was chief-of-staff. Her ability to manage a variety of investigations was totally independent. She also demonstrated her commitment to finding the truth and presenting the Prime Minister with the best evidence.
‘So to those listeners not sure who she is, let me tell them that I believe that she is just the type of person that you need. We can rest assured that we’ll get all the facts.
Bryant said that he was also impressed by Sue Gray who was leading the investigation when he first met her.
He asked her to give any evidence that she had of lawbreaking to the police.
He stated that if the rules were not followed, the police would take action. I am not certain why this isn’t being done.
He stated that the analysis must be performed by an independent party. It should be the police.
And Ms Rayner said: ‘At the moment, people are saying ‘which department didn’t have a party?”
She said, “It’s extremely disappointing because we all understand what was going on when these parties were happening, people couldn’t see their loved one who was dying, and they were making unbelievable sacrifices.
“So while I agree that the investigation needs to go to the bottom, the evidence shows that Boris Johnson is setting a tone and allowing this to happen.
She suggested that Ms. Gray hand any evidence of law-breaking she discovers to the police.
Prior to being appointed director-general for propriety, ethics and integrity in the Cabinet Office in 2012-2018, Ms Gray is a person who will not back down from an inquiry.
Ms. Gray, the second permanent secretary of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, is once described as “the most powerful individual you’ve ever heard” by BBC Newsnight’s former policy editor.
Oliver Letwin, a former Tory MP and Cabinet Office minister is said to have stated that Ms Gray was unable to recognize who is running Britain. Sue Gray is the Cabinet Office’s head of ethics. She runs the great United Kingdom. Her agreement is required before things can happen.
Additionally, she is part of the Ofcom panel that decides who the next chair will be.
Ian Blackford (SNP leader in Westminster), said that ‘having someone else from Civil Service marking their own isn’t good enough’.
Blackford stated to BBC Newsnight that the inquiry should be led by someone with authority beyond the Civil Service, and not just from the Government. It would be best to have a judge-led probe.
After Guido Fawkes’ Friday report that Mr Case had hosted two Christmas parties in his Cabinet Office department in December 2020 when there were restrictions, Ms Gray was hired.
Even though Mr. Case didn’t take part, he was aware of their activities outside his office and stopped at one point to thank them for their hardwork as he moved from meeting to another.
Last December, a second party featured drinks for Mr Case’s employees before the guests continued their celebration elsewhere. But, the Cabinet Office denied that such an event occurred.
The allegations surfaced as Tory chairman Oliver Dowden insisted that Mr Case’s inquiry will ‘vindicate’ Mr Johnson’s position that no rules had been broken.
He was looking at the No10 Christmas Party on December 18, and also leaving does, as well as a Cabinet Office Quiz.
Boris Johnson directed Mr Case last week to investigate after extraordinary footage showed his ex-press secretary Allegra Ston and his No10 aides laughing about an ‘party” that took place in Downing Street last January.
Although the findings from Mr Case’s investigation were anticipated by today, they have been delayed.
This scandal was responsible for Tories’ catastrophic loss overnight in North Shropshire By-election.
Today’s Uxbridge visit saw Mr Johnson speak to reporters. He stated that people are more interested than ever in issues such as coronavirus and said the media reports on lockdown-busting parties were what had led to the Tories losing the North Shropshire election.
According to him, broadcasters have heard a constant stream of news about politics and politicians that doesn’t concern them.
Ian Blackford from Scottish National Party was the Westminster leader and called on Mr Case to be expelled from the probe as well as to resign.
The most serious reports have been that Downing Street hosted a party during the 2020 Christmas lockdown. This was when festive festivities are banned. A video of this event emerged this week, showing staff laughing and having a good time.
Allegra Stratton, the former Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, resigned in tears.
Mr Blackford said: ‘The Prime Minister’s appointed lead investigator into the Downing Street parties has also been reported to have hosted a party in his office – whilst thousands were forced to spend the Christmas season apart as a result of necessary coronavirus restrictions. His inquiry report and he must all go.
He said it was ‘vital there be an inquiry led by an independent arbitrator – someone who owes the UK government nothing’, and in a letter to the PM suggested it should be judge-led.
Ms Rayner also said: ‘Boris Johnson as Prime Minister has set the tone for the civil service and the rest of government.
“With each new discovery, there’s growing evidence that the culture is turning a blindside to the rules.
Labour stated that it was clear from the beginning of the investigation that the individual in charge must be uncompromised, able to give a fair decision and make an independent judgment. This is now in question due to new revelations.
Today’s BBC Radio 4 interview with Mr Dowden: “I can understand and appreciate the impression that, especially in the context of the media coverage, there was an expectation that we were not following the rules.
“I must tell you, there’s an ongoing investigation by the Cabinet Secretary. I am confident that this inquiry will support the assertion of the Prime Minister that all that occurred was in accordance with the rules.
“But, I appreciate the noise around me that was a concern for voters.
After it emerged that Johnson, who was acting as an impromptu question master on Downing Street under Tier 2 restrictions in 2013, was being accused of violating rules set by his government, Mr Johnson was charged with breaking them.
Johnson can be seen sitting in front of the laptop at No. Two colleagues are closely watching Johnson, one in Christmas attire, and the other with a Christmas hat.
It is thought that the quiz took place December 15, three days prior to Downing Street’s notorious party.
The Times cited government sources as saying that Cabinet Secretary “would examine credible allegations from other gatherings, and it is difficult to really claim that a picture of the prime minister does not constitute a credible allegation.”
Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi defended the Prime Minister after it emerged Mr Johnson personally hosted a Christmas quiz in Downing Street last year.
Zahawi stated that Johnson was not in violation of coronavirus rules for taking part.
Although Downing Street insists the quiz is ‘virtual, reports claim that many employees were innumerable in Number 10 where they gathered to discuss questions and drink alcohol.
London, Tier 2 at the time, prohibited mixing households inside except for support bubbles and six outsiders.
The Sunday Mirror reported Mr Johnson surprised staff by turning up on screen as quiz master for one round lasting between 10 and 15 minutes.
A Number 10 spokeswoman said: ‘This was a virtual quiz.
Staff at ‘Downing Street had to often be present in the office during the pandemic response, so people who worked in the office may have attended from their desks.
“The Prime minister briefly participated virtually in a quiz, to show appreciation for staff’s hard work during the year.
Staff reportedly held a Christmas bash in Number 10 on December 18, with a leaked video – filmed four days after the alleged gathering – showing senior Downing Street aides joking about a ‘fictional’ party.
A second reported Downing Street event – an aide’s leaving do which is said to have taken place on November 27 – was allegedly attended by the Prime Minister, who The Mirror said made a speech.
He is currently investigating the two alleged incidents, as well as the festive celebration that was held at Department for Education. Officials admit they did happen and express regret.
Since then, The Department for Work and Pensions confirmed that Therese coffey staff drank alcohol and ate takeaways late into the night’ while there were coronavirus regulations in effect.
The Sunday Mirror reports that politicians and their officials drank until the wee hours of the morning and then ordered food from the Whitehall Office of the Work and Pension Secretary.
However, the DWP acknowledged that there have been instances when alcohol was consumed at work outside the Whitehall offices of Cabinet ministers. It also stressed that it occurred during normal working hours.
Sources claim that the offices are separated from the rest of the world and have a ‘no party atmosphere’.