Sue Gray demands ringleaders in Partygate scandal are named in her report

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Sue Gray demands ringleaders in Partygate scandal are named in her report

– May 20, 2020: BYOB garden party

A leaked email from senior civil servant Martin Reynolds to more than 100 Downing Street employees invited them to ‘bring your own booze’ for an evening gathering.

The PM admitted attending the gathering, but previously insisted he believed it was a work event which could ‘technically’ have been within the rules.

– June 18, 2020: Cabinet Office gathering

A gathering in the Cabinet Office on this date was being investigated by the police. The event was apparently held to mark the departure of a Number 10 private secretary. 

– June 19, 2020: Birthday party for the PM

Downing Street admitted staff ‘gathered briefly’ in the Cabinet Room after a meeting. Reports suggested up to 30 people attended and the PM was presented with a cake. 

The PM, his wife Carrie Johnson – said to have organised the bash – and Chancellor Rishi Sunak have all received fines.

Reports said Lulu Lytle, the interior designer behind lavish renovations of Mr and Mrs Johnson’s No 10 flat, briefly attended while undertaking work in Downing Street.    

– November 13, 2020: Leaving party for senior aide and Abba Party

According to reports at the time, Mr Johnson gave a leaving speech for Lee Cain, his departing director of communications and a close ally of Dominc Cummings.

There were also claims a party with loud Abba music was held in the No11 flat that evening to celebrate the ousting of Mr Cain and Mr Cummings following a power struggle with Mrs Johnson. 

The premier is thought to have insisted he was interviewing one of those present for a potential job. 

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– December 17, 2020: Cabinet Office ‘Christmas party’

A gathering was held in the Cabinet Office on December 17.

Cabinet Secretary Simon Case is said to have attended the party in room 103 of the Cabinet Office.

It was apparently organised by a private secretary in Mr Case’s team, and included in digital calendars as: ‘Christmas party!’

The Cabinet Office confirmed a quiz took place, but a spokesman said: ‘The Cabinet Secretary played no part in the event, but walked through the team’s office on the way to his own office.’

– December 18, 2020: Christmas party at Downing Street

The claim that kicked off the rule-breaking allegations is that a party was held for Downing Street staff on December 18.

Officials and advisers reportedly made speeches, enjoyed a cheese board, drank together and exchanged Secret Santa gifts, although the PM is not thought to have attended.

Mr Johnson’s spokeswoman, Allegra Stratton, quit after being filmed joking about it with fellow aides at a mock press conference – although it is not clear whether she attended. 

– January 14, 2021: Number 10 leaving do for two staff members

The Sue Gray update previously revealed that an event in Downing Street for the departure of two No10 private secretaries was being looked at by the police. 

– April 16, 2021: Drinks and dancing the night before the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral

Advisers and civil servants gathered after work for two separate events on the Friday night.

They were marking the departure of James Slack, Mr Johnson’s former director of communications, and one of the PM’s personal photographers.

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Mr Slack, who left his Number 10 role to become deputy editor-in-chief of The Sun newspaper, said he was sorry for the ‘anger and hurt’ caused by his leaving do, while Downing Street apologised to the Queen.

Mr Johnson is not believed to have been in Downing Street that day and is said to have been at Chequers.

Accounts from witnesses said alcohol was drunk and guests danced to music, adding that it had been told that around 30 people attended both events combined.

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