The Metropolitan Police have confirmed they are investigating footage of Downing Street staff joking about holding a Christmas party last year amid a nationwide lockdown.
Journalist Paul Brand posted a statement from Scotland Yard on Twitter that indicates authorities are 'aware' of the footage broadcast by ITV.
"We are aware of footage obtained by ITV News relating to alleged breaches of the Health protection Regulations at a Government building in December 2020.
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"It is our policy not to routinely investigate retrospective breaches of the Covid 19 regulations, however the footage will form part of our considerations."
In a clip obtained by ITV, Boris Johnson's then spokesperson Allegra Stratton could be seen laughing as she said there was 'definitely no social distancing' and that it was 'a business meeting'.
The recording is reportedly from 22 December and shows staff preparing for a TV media briefing, which was later scrapped.
In the clip the staff are asking Stratton mock questions to help prepare for talking to the press.
Ed Oldfield, an advisor to Johnson, asks: "I've just seen reports on Twitter that there was a Downing Street Christmas party on Friday night, do you recognise those reports?"
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Stratton replies: "I went home," she then starts to laugh and appears to have a think about what to say next, telling the room to 'hold on'.
Oldfield then asks: "Would the prime minister condone having a Christmas party?"
Stratton again laughs, before asking: "What's the answer?"
At this point, other staff members pipe up in an attempt to help out - one can be heard to say: "It wasn't a party, it was cheese and wine."
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Stratton replies back: "Is cheese and wine alright?" she then adds that it was 'a business meeting' before saying 'this is recorded', but she continues to laugh and then adds: "This fictional party was a business meeting and it was not socially distanced."
According to the Mirror, a 'boozy' party took place at Number 10 on 18 December with 'around 40 or 50' people.
A source told the Mirror: "While senior civil servants were urging caution and there was one message to the public, Prime Minister gave the impression that it could be very relaxed in No 10.
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A Downing Street spokesperson told LADbible: "There was no Christmas party. Covid rules have been followed at all times."
Previously, the Prime Minister insisted that 'guidance was followed'.
A spokesperson for the PM said: "There was not a party and the covid rules were followed at all times."
Featured Image Credit: Alamy
