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Boris Johnson took part in ‘bringing your own beer’ to Downing St

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Boris Johnson took part in a “bring your own beer” ceremony in Downing Street less than an hour after the prime minister warned Britons that parties were banned, according to eyewitnesses.

The ceremony on May 202020, when England was ruled by a ban, was organized by the Prime Minister’s Office and more than 100 of the No. 10 employees were invited.

The role of Martin Reynolds, Johnson’s secretary general since 2019, was in jeopardy after a downtown email indicated he had encouraged employees to “make the most of the good weather”.

Johnson’s presence at the event on May 20 2020, confirmed by several people and rejected by Downing Street, is expected to boost. a new challenge to his leadership, which has been shaken by media reports about several government parties that are said to be unconstitutional.

Johnson has always denied that the parties that violated the coronavirus ban in England took place on Downing Street.

In an email received by ITV News, Reynolds told staff Number 10: “Hello everyone. After a very busy time we decided it would be best to make the most of the good weather and have a long drink at No. 10 this evening. Please come. with us from 6pm and bring your beer!

The ceremony in the Downing Street garden was attended by about 40 people including Johnson and his wife Carrie, according to witnesses.

“It was illegal,” said one witness. “People were drinking, seated at various tables. Boris and Carrie were present. There were about 40 people – mostly 10 employees. “

Then Secretary of Culture Oliver Dowden held a briefing on Covid-19 at 10 Downing St on May 20 2020, in which he emphasized the ban on gatherings © Andrew Parsons / 10 Downing Street

Less than an hour after the drinks and picnics were served, Oliver Dowden, then secretary of culture, held a press conference where he pointed out that such incidents were not allowed in England.

Under Covid’s laws at the time, outdoor meetings were limited to one person. Johnson fined the offenders – from £ 100 and doubled in each case up to £ 3,200.

Down told a press conference No. 10 on May 20 2020: “You can meet one person outside your home, in a public area, as long as two feet[2 m]away.”

Downing Street garden party is under scrutiny by Sue Gray, Whitehall principal, along with accusations of other government activities which violated Covid’s restrictions. Johnson said Monday would be a “proper investigation”.

Gray is expected to speak with Johnson as part of his investigation, which is due to be submitted at the end of the month. Downing Street said he did not respond when questions were asked.

Reynolds, who previously served as Johnson’s secret secretary at the Foreign Office, is expected to be transferred to a new post. An elder said that he was being groomed as an ambassador.

Metropolitan police, who have so far refused to take part in the investigation into suspected Downing Street, said on Monday they were aware of “numerous reports” in violation of the Health Protection Regulations there by May 202020.

“The Metropolitan Police. . . will contact the cabinet, “he said. during the Covid ban.

The revelation that Johnson took part in the Downing Street garden party on May 20 2020 brought shocks to the Conservative party. “She is back in the prime of life,” said one Tory soldier.

Lord Gavin Barwell, former chief of staff of the prime minister Theresa May, described the meeting as “not surprising. And yet, in a sense, it is tragic. ”

Deputy Chief of Labor Angela Rayner said Johnson was trying to make officials “fall for his mistakes”. Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrat, said it was “a toothache” for people who follow the rules of coronavirus.

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