Details have emerged of what appears to be another alcohol-fueled social event on Downing Street during the confinement, one that was apparently not investigated by police or the official public service investigation.
According to the Mirror, between 30 and 40 employees drank alcohol and ate take-away snacks to mark the final press conference held by then-Boris Johnson spokesman James Slack on November 17, 2020.
A photograph obtained by the newspaper appears to show an officer displaying bottles of wine and champagne-type drinks. The image was sent to staff number 10 in a WhatsApp group, in response to a message saying, “It’s time to open Covid’s secure bar.”
The photo was posted in response to the message, “The bar is open.” Other messages reported by the Mirror apparently show premeditation when it comes to socializing, with one referring to “Wine Time Tuesday” and others discussing going to buy “booster alcohol.” An official says, “If anyone can help me get it, I’m happy to go.”
The alleged event took place four days after the drinking party for Lee Cain, Johnson’s chief communications officer. On Monday, ITV News obtained footage showing the prime minister at the event, raising a glass and similar toast to Cain and making a speech.
These images have prompted metropolitan police to explain why Johnson was not fined for attending the Nov. 13 rally, when there were others.
The Nov. 17 event was not among the meetings investigated by the Met, and was not among those examined in the interim report on parts of the blockade breach by senior Cabinet office official Sue Gray. . His full report is expected to appear on Wednesday.
Slack, who was a civil servant rather than a designated politician like Cain, was chosen to replace Cain as head of communications. The Nov. 17 cups were held to mark the last time he, as Johnson’s official spokesman, spoke to the media at the lobby’s daily briefings, according to reports.
At that time, due to confinement, the information sessions were conducted virtually and not in person. Slack left issue 10 in April 2021. This outing party was reported and investigated, held the day before Prince Philip’s funeral while social mixing inside was still banned. He is now Deputy Director of the Sun.
Evidence of what appears to be another social event, and planned in advance, puts more pressure on Johnson ahead of Gray’s findings, amid reports that more Conservative MPs could present letters of censure to the prime minister.
If Gray’s full report is released on Wednesday, it is likely to be sent to Downing Street in the morning and published shortly thereafter, with Johnson promising to make a statement to parliament and answer questions from lawmakers later that day. Number 10 has said Johnson would aim to hold a press conference.
A spokesman for No. 10 said: “As part of their investigation, the Cabinet Office team was able to talk to No. 10 staff to establish the facts about what happened during this period. Met police have had access to all relevant information for their investigations, including photographs.
“The Met has completed its investigation and Sue Gray will publish her report shortly, at which point the Prime Minister will address Parliament in full.”
Slack was contacted for comment.