The row over last year’s ‘illicit’ Downing Street Christmas party has rocked Westminster.
But it emerged yesterday that the December 18 event may have been only one of as many as four Downing Street bashes held in the run-up to Christmas – at a time when the country was under stringent Covid restrictions.
On the day Dominic Cummings left No10, it was claimed that there was a “leaving do” where the PM made a speech, held a game night, and celebrated in Downing Street. It was also claimed that there were other parties within Whitehall.
Harriet Line, John Stevens, and Harriet Line share all that is known about Downing Street’s activities during World War II.
TABLE GROANING WITH BOTTLES OF WINE AND THE ‘CHRISTMAS PARTY’
The tradition began at the end the corridor which leads to the legendary black door in 10 Downing Street.
Each Friday No10 officers would set out a bottle of wine on the table at the entrance to the hall.
In the wood-panelled press office – once used as Gordon Brown’s ‘war room’ during his time as PM – staff would toast the end of the week with drink at their desks.
Yesterday Boris Johnson had to direct Simon Case, Cabinet Secretary to look into allegations that things went a bit sour on Friday just before Christmas.
WhatsApp messages, emails and other communications in the week prior to December 18 alleged that staff coordinated their plans.
The table was full of party food, including camembert cheese wheels and baguettes. In the grand room overlooking St James’s Park, where chandeliers hang from the ceiling, officials gathered to celebrate the end of a difficult year.
Boris Johnson ordered Simon Case, Cabinet Secretary, to investigate claims that the last Friday before Christmas was a very chaotic time.
As many as 40 people attended the ‘unofficial’ Christmas bash with some wearing festive jumpers, it is claimed. Sources said most of those present were civil servants drawn from the press office and events teams, but special advisers – the PM’s political appointees – were also invited. Staff were instructed to bring Secret Santa gifts, according to one person who was asked.
As the night progressed, other officials came down from different parts to attend. But the Prime Minister’s press secretary yesterday insisted Mr Johnson was not one of them.
‘He was working all evening,’ she told reporters.
The event took place two days after London was placed into what was the highest tier of coronavirus restrictions at the time, meaning people were not allowed to mix indoors with anyone outside their household or support bubble.At that time, the Government website stated: ‘Although there are exemptions for work purposes, you must not have a work Christmas lunch or party, where that is a primarily social activity and is not otherwise permitted by the rules in your tier.’
Johnson and his ministers have maintained that there had not been a party and that the rules were being followed since last week’s news broke. Yesterday’s footage showed Allegra Stratton making fun of what happened, and the evidence was overwhelming.
THE ‘DOM’S GONE’ BASH IN PM’S No10 FLAT
A party is also alleged to have been held in the Prime Minister’s Downing Street flat on November 13 – the day that Dominic Cummings quit. On social media yesterday, Mr Cummings asked if the Cabinet Secretary’s investigation into the Downing Street pre-Christmas bash would also look into the ‘flat party on Fri 13 Nov’ as well as ‘the other flat parties, and the flat’s “ bubble” policy’.
The bubble reference is thought to refer to the decision to allow the PM’s then fiancee – and now wife – Carrie Symonds’ best friend Nimco Ali at No10 over the festive period ‘to help support and look after’ baby Wilfred.
Asked during Prime Minister’s Questions yesterday if a party took place on that date, Boris Johnson said: ‘No, but I’m sure that whatever happened the guidance was followed and the rules were followed at all times.’
With Carrie and Wilfred, Mr Johnson shares the apartment. It was alleged there were ‘always parties’ in the flat, with a source claiming: ‘Carrie’s addicted to them.’
A party is also alleged to have been held in the Prime Minister’s Downing Street flat on November 13 – the day that Dominic Cummings quit
Yesterday, insiders claimed that staff at the press office witnessed guests climbing the staircase leading to the flat and heard loud music from the flat directly above. ‘They were making the kind of racket that could only have come from a party,’ said one official.
Mail was given names of six former and current senior Government officials, as well as others who are known to be closely connected to Mrs Johnson. When approached, however, many strongly refuted the allegations.
But a spokesman for Mrs Johnson gave an emphatic denial, saying: ‘This is total nonsense. Mrs Johnson has followed coronavirus rules at all times and it is categorically untrue to suggest otherwise.’
The PM’s spokesman later confirmed that the alleged November 13 party would not be looked into.
Following a power struggle, Mr Cummings left and has been strongly critical of the government ever since.
‘CRAMMED CHEEK BY JOWL’ AT LEAVING DO
On November 27, 2017, up to 50 people packed Downing Street in support of a leave-taking party. Boris Johnson, who gave a speech on behalf an outgoing aide at the event, is said to have spoken.
No10 staff reportedly crammed ‘cheek by jowl’ into a medium-sized room in what was described as a ‘Covid nightmare’ – while England was in its second lockdown. A source told the Daily Mail that the event had been an impromptu leaving do for Cleo Watson, an adviser who had effectively been Mr Cummings’ sidekick during his time in Downing Street. The aide is nicknamed the ‘gazelle’ because of her long legs.
‘It wasn’t a party as such, certainly not a Christmas party. It was a whole bunch of people who work in the same building coming together to say goodbye to a very popular member of staff,’ said the source. ‘Was drink taken? Yes. Was the PM in there? Yes. Was it because they thought that there was anything to be done? No, but in hindsight it’s not a great look.’
A source told the Daily Mail that the event had been an impromptu leaving do for Cleo Watson (pictured with Cummings on December 17, 2019), an adviser who had effectively been Mr Cummings’ sidekick during his time in Downing Street
A FESTIVE QUIZ IN THE CABINET OFFICE
Although the date for the Christmas quiz is unclear, it was apparently held in Cabinet Office at No10 employees sometime in December. A source said that emails were sent to No10 staff inviting them to join the quiz, and also to form teams.
Staff were said to have arrived at the office wearing Christmas jumpers ahead of the event, and were unaware ‘how ridiculous’ it was to hold a quiz while the country was in lockdown. The BBC reports that some quiz participants used Zoom to join the event, but those who attended the event in person were seated in six-person groups.
Downing Street yesterday insisted the quiz was ‘virtual’.
According to reports, a Christmas quiz was held at the Cabinet Office by No10 employees sometime in December. However the date isn’t clear.
PS… DON’T FORGET WILLIAMSON’S PARTY
IN the Department for Education’s canteen, Gavin Williamson gathered officials for a Christmas party on December 10 last year.
Susan Acland-Hood, the permanent secretary, yesterday admitted that she attended the event where ‘drinks and snacks’ were served.
In an appearance before MPs, she told how around ‘two dozen’ people had joined the gathering that was instigated by the then education secretary as he wanted to ‘thank staff’ for their work during the pandemic. But she insisted ‘no outside guests’ were present.
When asked if it was an organised event, she said: ‘While this was a work-related gathering, looking back we accept it would have been better not to have gathered in this way at that particular time.’