The revelations about the so-called Partygate affair in Downing Street did not stop immediately before the expected publication of the investigative report in this case. Eyewitnesses have since reported that there were even weekly celebrations during the lockdown. Every Friday there would have been invitations to gatherings where alcohol was also flowing.
The BBC quoted several anonymous employees on Wednesday as saying that celebrations in Downing Street were not isolated events (for example, on Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s birthday), but rather were the norm. The evidence was still there the next morning in the form of empty bottles and the remains of food delivery.
Investigative report has already been submitted to Downing Street
Several media reported that top official Sue Gray had submitted her report. Several copies of Gray’s report were distributed in Downing Street, the Sky News broadcaster and the Daily Mirror reported Wednesday. Cabinet Member George Eustice expressed his condolences on Wednesday for the public’s anger at breaking the rules in Downing Street. He assured that Johnson had not lied to parliament.
Officer reported serious misconduct
The report was eagerly awaited. Gray had conducted internal investigations into several lockdown parties at government headquarters where corona rules were being violated. Gray had only published a highly abridged report due to police investigations. In it, she accuses those responsible of serious misconduct.
Johnson would have served alcohol himself
Most recently, photos emerged from a government seat meeting on November 13, 2020. You can see Johnson raising a glass and apparently toasting the others in attendance. No one is wearing a mask, there are several open bottles on the table. According to the BBC, about 30 to 40 people were crammed into one room. Johnson himself served alcohol for his employees. At that time, private gatherings were prohibited. London police had fined several attendees for the event, but not Johnson.
Johnson always had the impression that these were work meetings
In total, police have handed out more than 120 fines to dozens of workers, including the prime minister for another celebration. Members of Johnson’s Conservative Party are also calling for his resignation because of the affair. This excludes Johnson. He had admitted mistakes, but emphasized that he had always had the impression that this was a work meeting. Johnson also received support on Wednesday: This was not a key moment for the prime minister, Tory MP Charles Walker told the BBC. On the contrary: Johnson is past the worst.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
