No 10 Christmas party: how Boris Johnson's government denied breaking lockdown rules

Boris Johnson is facing accusations of lying after senior No 10 officials were filmed joking about a lockdown Christmas party that Downing Street insists did not take place. In the leaked video, obtained by ITV, of a mock televised press briefing an adviser to Johnson is seen joking with Allegra Stratton, the prime minister’s then press secretary, about “a Downing Street Christmas party on Friday night”. Johnson and his aides have repeatedly – and continue to – deny that the event, reportedly held for staff at No 10 in December last year, broke Covid rules or took place at all.  Here is a look back at some of the responses from the prime minister and Conservative MPs before the damning footage emerged

[OllieX]

“I don’t know if an event took place, but if it did, I’m confident no rules were broken” - how can you be confident no rules were broken at an event, if you don’t know if the event even occurred!

[supermiss]

Look at the duper’s delight on Sajid’s face! Proof of the utter contempt they hold for the electorate 😡😡😡

[Greenpoloboy]

After all this, these criminals will still be calling each other "right honourable"

[thedudeabides]

Where is Guy Fawkes when you need him?!

[Hobohonybun]

We can't trust the police the prime minister, the cabinet, where to turn, really is this real?

[Astra_Life]

Rules was simple no more than six people ! Police will do nothing about it but will tackle people to the ground for not wearing a mask .

[michaelgargaro]

painful. they are so incompetent they cant even put together a coherent sentence .

[BrittPearceWatches]

My husband and I couldn’t go visit my dying father in law in hospital during this time. But I’m glad the government thinks it’s that they had a Christmas party. Absolutely B3LL 3NDS.

[raoulduke]

"I don't know if an event took place but, if it did no rules were broken". What?

[SANTIAGO]

I was a tory voter.. Lost family members to covid.
I will never vote tory ever again.
The lies and hypocrisy of this government is unacceptable in every sense.
He should resign. He is a walking disaster as PM

[hereward]

Well done, Guardian, for putting tis together.

[titzalinabumscrew]

Politicians lying ? No way, surely not

[moleahjobe]

Boris should be sacked straight up. The rest of his party should stand down.

[Mr.]

Democracy isn't working in UK.
Rules for the thee not for me

[clivewalker]

The ''order '' from Boris was '' No Parties '', He did not say '' Have Parties, but adhere to the Rules '' .

[psychoskin]

Time to pay back every fine issued during lockdown.

[brianmmacu]

Isn't it interesting that apart from Johnson the only people who have been asked to respond to questions about a party are those who are very quick to point out that they weren't should produce a list of who was there so THEY can be questioned

[Tirga]

NO MORE COMPLIANCE.
If politicians (the rule-makers) do not follow the rules then why should anyone else?

[Typicals]

"First of all it's the daily mirror"

Me: first of all its the government...

[meeklofromthebarrio]

Sickening! There is nothing funny about this. We couldnt even attend funerals of loved ones, had to stay home during Christmas...while these mugs were living it up. We need a new priminister ASAP