The last seven days saw seven parties and explanations that did not add up.
Claims are It was discovered that No. 10 hosted a Christmas party last year.
Staff and aides were allegedly drinking, eating, and exchanging Santa secret presents at the Christmas party, which took place on December 18. This is in violation of London’s lockdown rules.
Indoor gatherings weren’t allowed in the past.
Nov 30: After story about first Downing Street party breaks, No 10 spokesman says: ‘Covid rules have been followed at all times.’
Dec 1: Health Secretary Sajid Javid tells LBC: ‘I didn’t attend. I don’t know who attended these parties, but I don’t even think there were parties that I’m aware of. But the point is, whether it’s in No 10 or any government department, all rules would have been followed at all times.’
At a Downing Street press briefing, the PM’s spokesman denies there was a party and says: ‘We don’t recognise these accounts.’
At PMQs, Boris Johnson insists: ‘All guidance was followed completely in No 10.’
Dec 2: Mr Johnson refuses to give reporters further details ‘because I have told you [what happened]’.
Dec 3: Vaccines Minister Maggie Throup tells BBC’s Question Time that ‘all guidance was followed’, dismisses the reports as ‘rumour and hearsay’, and says she wasn’t aware of a party.
According to claims, a Christmas party took place in No 10, last year. Indoor gatherings are not permitted.
Mr Johnson told PMQs: ‘I repeat… that I have been repeatedly assured since these allegations emerged, that there was no party and that no Covid rules were broken’
Dec 5: Justice Secretary Dominic Raab insists the rules were followed, but tells the BBC’s Andrew Marr: ‘Of course, if there was a formal party held, of course that it something that is clearly contrary to the guidance. If anyone held a party that is contrary to the rules, of course that is the wrong thing to do.’
Dec 6: The PM’s spokesman reiterates the Government’s denial, saying: ‘There was not a party and Covid rules have been followed at all times.’
Policing Minister Kit Malthouse tells LBC: ‘Officials at No 10 have assured me, as part of my briefing… that no regulations were broken.’
Dec 8: Mr Johnson tells PMQs: ‘I repeat… that I have been repeatedly assured since these allegations emerged, that there was no party and that no Covid rules were broken.’
Dec 9: Mr Javid on LBC: ‘I have received assurances that there were no [Covid]Rules that are broken in Downing Street at any moment. A party can’t be organized if these rules are broken. If the rules were not broken, then a party could not take place.’