You’ve broken any Covid rules during Downing Street quiz night

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Boris Johnson insisted he was “not breaking the rules” after he was photographed hosting a contest in 10th place, with Tory MPs saying Monday night that the Cabinet Secretary should be given time for a “thorough” investigation.

On Monday, Johnson responded to allegations that he may have misled Parliament and violated Covid rules as he continued to face questions about his participation in events in Downing Street last Christmas.

He also confirmed that Simon Case, the head of the civil service, would extend his investigation to the night of the test, which took place on December 15 last year.

It follows the disclosure of a photo of Mr Johnson this weekend, which appears to confirm he took part in the audition three days before the alleged Christmas party in Downing Street.

The photo, obtained by the Sunday Mirror, shows him sitting in front of a laptop in Library Number 10 alongside two classmates, wearing tinsel and a Christmas hat.

No. 10 insisted that the event took place virtually and that Mr Johnson joined “briefly” to “thank the staff for their hard work throughout the year”. A spokesman also said that staff who participated from the British government did so from their offices.

However, sources indicated that many employees participated by gathering around screens in the building, while Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labor Party, indicated that Johnson’s actions appeared to be in violation of Covid rules.

London was under Level 2 restrictions at the time of the event, with families not allowed to mingle indoors other than in support bubbles, while business lunches or parties deemed a “primarily social activity” were also banned.

Asked about the controversy while visiting a vaccination clinic near Paddington, west London, Mr Johnson said: “I can tell you I certainly haven’t broken any rules – the whole thing will be looked at by the Cabinet Secretary and what I have to focus, frankly, on bringing the vaccine out. “.

Asked if that meant Mr. Case’s investigation would include testing, Johnson said: “He’s looking at all of this stuff. Is that the thing with the Zoom call? Yes.”

This means that Mr. Case’s investigation will now cover four events – the alleged departure of Senior Aide #10 on November 27, a gathering at the Department of Education on December 10, a Christmas audition for Number 10 on December 15, and a party on December 18.

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