An email from Martin Reynolds, Johnson’s principal private secretary, invites more than 100 employees to a “socially-distancing drink at the No. 10 Garden” on May 20, 2020.
At the time, England had strict lockdown restrictions.
Mixing between houses was limited to two people who could only meet outside and at a distance of at least 2 m (6.5 ft). In workplaces, official guidance states that in-person meetings should only take place when “absolutely necessary.”
In the email, first published on Monday by ITV News, Reynolds said: “After an incredibly busy period, it would be nice to enjoy the best of the weather and do some socializing in the garden of No. 10 this evening. Take drinks away from you.”
“Please join us from 6pm and bring your own wine!” Email added.
A source who works in Downing Street independently confirmed the contents of the email to CNN.
Pressed by a journalist on Monday to answer whether he and his wife, Carrie Johnson had attended the party, the prime minister said: “That, as you know, is the subject of a proper investigation by Sue Grey.”
Gray, a senior civil servant, has been tasked with investigating the alleged sides. He was tasked with investigating reports after Cabinet Secretary Simon Case was removed from the investigation, as it was revealed that he was aware of a party held in his department.
Johnson has faced multiple claims that social events were held inside 10 Downing Street until Christmas 2020, when local restrictions prohibited such gatherings.
A Downing Street spokesman responded to the image, saying: “Work meetings are often held in the Garden of Downing Street in the summer months. Staff meetings were often followed by the No. 10 press conference on this occasion.”
On Monday, Johnson would not elaborate on whether he had already been interviewed by Gray.
Responding to the emailed reports, Angela Rainer, deputy leader of the Labor Party and Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: “Boris Johnson has consistently shown that he has no regard for the rules he lays down for the rest of us. keep.”
“He is trying to get officials arrested for their mistakes, but he has set the tone for the way Downing Street and the rest of the government work,” she said.
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