Conservative MPs have criticized photos of Boris Johnson drinking with his comrades during confinement before the release of Sue Gray’s report on the parties.
New images of the prime minister appearing on Monday appeared to have been given to his comrades allegedly during the second national confinement, when people were not allowed to mingle with other homes inside.
The photos, obtained by ITV News, are from a meeting that is said to have taken place on November 13, 2020 to leave the then head of communications of Prime Minister Lee Cain.
They came a week after the Met police investigation into the parties concluded with 126 fines for 83 people, including the prime minister, and ahead of the report on further events by top official Sue Gray.
His report will be published this week.
People who attended the November 13 meeting have confirmed to Sky News that the Met issued fines to some people in attendance, but not to the Prime Minister.
The photos have drawn new criticism from the Prime Minister and the government during the pandemic, with several Conservative MPs publicly expressing their views.
Read more: Details of the Met Police investigation into the partygate and for what events people were fined
Image: Photo: ITV News Image: Photo: ITV News
Senior Conservative MP Tom Tugendhat said the photos show a lack of “seriousness” at the top of the government in its attitude towards the pandemic.
He told Sky News: “It is very difficult to look at these pictures because they do not give the impression of seriousness that I think we really need in our country.
“We know the number 10 was working hard. Of course they were and they were doing everything they could.
“But we also know that people worked incredibly hard in hospitals and residences and all over our country.
“We know that teachers were going to work and making sure that people could receive education from the children when they were essential workers.
“We know a lot of people showed up at times when they were extremely worried.
“And I’m afraid that doesn’t show the level of seriousness we really need in government.”
“Clearly there was a party”
Veteran Conservative MP Sir Roger Gale said it was “absolutely clear there was a party” and that the Prime Minister was there.
He accused the Prime Minister of deceiving Parliament by denying that a party had been formed.
On December 8, 2021, Mr. Johnson was asked if there was a party on Downing Street that day, to which he said, “No, but I’m sure whatever happens, the instructions and rules were followed. at all times “.
Baroness Davidson, a former Scottish Conservative leader, said it was clear the prime minister had lied in parliament and his position was untenable.
“Now there is photographic evidence that when the prime minister stood up in parliament and was asked directly if there was any party at number 10 on that date and he answered ‘no’, he lied in parliament,” he told Channel 4 News.
“I don’t think his job is sustainable and his position is sustainable. The post of prime minister should be above being held by the person who holds it.”
And current Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross has called for an explanation as to why the prime minister believes his behavior was “acceptable” when most will think the images “seem unjustifiable and incorrect”.
A spokesman for No. 10 said: “The Met’s cabinet office and 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 in the coming days, when the Prime Minister will address Parliament in full.”