Leaked footage raises questions over Downing Street’s handling of alleged Covid rule-breaking event

Boris Johnson is facing growing accusations of dishonesty after leaked footage revealed senior Downing Street officials joking about a Christmas party held in December 2020, which Downing Street had previously denied took place. In the video, which was recorded on 22 December 2020, advisers Ed Oldfield and Allegra Stratton can be seen laughing about a “Downing Street Christmas party” held the previous Friday, which would have been 18 December.

At the time, London was under strict tier 3 Covid restrictions, which prohibited social gatherings, making the event a potential violation of the rules. The video features Stratton and other staff members joking about the party, including references to “cheese and wine” and a lack of social distancing. When questioned about it, Stratton laughs and states: “This is recorded… This fictional party was a business meeting and it was not socially distanced.”

The video contradicts repeated denials from the Prime Minister and his aides that the event took place, intensifying calls for transparency and accountability regarding the alleged breach of Covid regulations.