Government advisor Allegra Stratton resigns following Christmas Party video
She was seen joking about a Downing Street Christmas party
Last updated 27th May 2022
Government spokeswoman Allegra Stratton has resigned after she was seen joking in a video with Downing Street staff about a lockdown party at Number 10.
Stratton has offered her "profound apologies" as she made a tearful resignation statement outside her home.
Quitting her role as the Prime Minister's spokeswoman for the Cop26 climate summit she said: "My remarks seemed to make light of the rules, rules that people were doing everything to obey.
"That was never my intention. I will regret those remarks for the rest of my days and I offer my profound apologies to all of you at home for them."
"It wasn't a party, it was cheese and wine"
The leaked video, which shows the former spokeswoman joking about a party during a TV briefing rehearsal, was published by ITV last night.
After being asked about reports of a Christmas party at Downing Street, Allegra Stratton jokingly replies: "I went home".
A Downing Street employee can be heard stating: "It wasn't a party... it was cheese and wine"
"Is cheese and wine alright? It was a business meeting", Stratton replied.
"This fictional party was a business meeting... and it was not socially distanced".
The recording was taken on 22 December 2020, just four days after the event is alleged to have taken place.
During Prime Minster's Questions earlier today, Boris Johnson said he has ordered an investigation into claims Downing Street staff broke lockdown rules by holding a Christmas party last year.
The Prime Minister said that he has told MPs he was “furious” about footage which apparently showing aides joking about the party.
Read More Boris Johnson apologises for Downing Street video but says there was no party
The Prime Minister apologised “unreservedly” for the offence caused by the footage of his then-spokeswoman Allegra Stratton at a mock press conference.
But he insisted that he had been repeatedly assured that “there was no party and that no Covid rules were broken”.
Following the leaked video, the Prime Minister is facing increasing hostility from his own party in light of claims of a Downing Street Christmas gathering last year.
Several Tory backbenchers, along with the former Scottish Conservatives leader, Ruth Davidson, have expressed concerns over the affair - arguing that the allegations, if true, are "unacceptable" and "indefensible".
What are England's current COVID-19 rules and guidelines?
Mask wearing in shops
From Tuesday, face coverings will be mandatory in shops in England. Regardless of vaccination status, those who do not wear a mask in retail establishments - other than those who are exempt for medical purposes - will be asked to leave.
Mask wearing on public transport
While travel across the country remains permitted, face masks will also be made compulsory on public transport in England. This includes buses, trams, trains and taxis. People with medical and respiratory exemptions will not be included in these restrictions.
Students and teachers advised to wear masks
Face coverings are also "strongly advised" to be worn for students in year 7 and above in communal areas unless they are exempt. According to the Department of Education, this is to make sure they can "continue to benefit from classroom teaching".
University students encouraged to wear masks
Department for Education guidance also states that face coverings should be worn by university students and staff in communal spaces and corridors. They have also encouraged that staff and students to do lateral flow tests twice weekly.
Mask wearing in pubs as well?
As of yet, it isn't mandatory to wear a face-covering in pubs and restaurants in England. It comes as Health Minister Edward Argar explained why wearing a mask in a pub or restaurant is difficult. He said people standing at the bar are often there for a short time and will "sip a drink on their way back to a table, where they'll be seated".