Boris Johnson faced renewed anger from MPs and bereaved families on Monday after it emerged that his fiancée threw him a surprise lockdown birthday party. The event, held indoors on 19 June 2020, contravened Covid restrictions that banned indoor social gatherings, with outdoor gatherings limited to groups of six.
No 10 admitted that Carrie Johnson organised a party for the prime minister and up to 30 staff in the Cabinet Room at 2pm. The room was laid out with Marks & Spencer party food and a birthday cake, with staff singing “Happy Birthday”. The prime minister attended for less than 10 minutes, according to a No 10 spokesperson.
Interior designer Lulu Lytle, who was working on the refurbishment of Johnson’s flat, was also present. Her spokesperson said she entered the Cabinet Room briefly while waiting to speak with the prime minister, and was not a guest.
The revelations come as Sue Gray, the senior civil servant leading the inquiry into Downing Street parties, is expected to make deeply critical recommendations. A Whitehall source said the inquiry had uncovered “appalling evidence of mismanagement” at the heart of No 10.
MPs expressed fury at the latest breach, with one senior MP estimating up to a third of the ministerial payroll could vote against the prime minister in a no-confidence vote. Another Tory MP said the birthday gathering was “clearly social” and “changes things – a lot”.
Labour is poised to attempt to force the publication of the full Gray report at its opposition day debate next week, should No 10 attempt to hold back details. The report is expected late this week.
