Controversy over party closures: The director general of the government task force on COVID held an office beverage party when London was subject to Level 3 rules | politics news

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A chair of the government’s COVID-19 task force held office leaving Bash at a time when indoor social distancing has been banned, it was revealed.

Kate Josephs, the former director general of the Cabinet Office’s COVID Task Force — which places restrictions on coronavirus and other pandemic policies — said she was “really sorry” for the December 17, 2020 gathering.

It also revealed that the event is now part of a large-scale investigation into multiple allegations of breaches of coronavirus rules in both Downing Street and other government buildings.

The “party door” scandal threatens the political future of Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who himself admitted attending a “bring your own liquor” rally in Park No. 10 during the first national lockdown.

In the latest discovery of a Whitehall beverage event at a time when it is subject to strict COVID rules, Ms Joseph wrote on Twitter: “On the evening of December 17, I met my colleagues who were at work that day, with drinks, at our Cabinet Office to mark my departure. civil service.

“I’m really sorry that I did that and the outrage people would feel as a result of it.”

Ms Joseph left the COVID staff on 18 December 2020. She is currently Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council, a role which has been announced with a salary of £190,000.

“Sheffield has suffered greatly during this pandemic and I apologize unreservedly,” she added in her tweet.

He added, “The specific facts of this event will be considered in the context of the Cabinet Office’s investigation.

“I didn’t attend any events at 10 Downing Street.”

What is the COVID Task Force?

The COVID-19 Task Force was set up within the Cabinet Office in late May 2020 when various government efforts bolstered the initial response to the crisis.

The task force is tasked with supporting the prime minister and cabinet and, according to official documents, is “responsible for coordinating the government’s response to the pandemic.”

This includes setting policies for the initial response to the coronavirus, as well as for the UK’s recovery from the crisis.

The staff is also responsible for implementing these policies.

Another key role is providing data and analysis to the Prime Minister.

Ms. Joseph was one of three general managers of the task force, who report to a civil servant of the highest rank.

It was previously reported that the task force will be disbanded this spring.

London entered ‘Tier 3’ coronavirus restrictions the day before Ms Joseph left her drinks.

Under these rules, people in the capital were not allowed to mingle with other families indoors and could only mingle with a maximum of five others outdoors.

Bars and restaurants have also been closed, while those who can work from home have been asked to do so.

On December 17, 2020, the government’s official Twitter account posted: “Although there are exceptions for business purposes, you must not have a business lunch or party on Christmas, as this is essentially a social activity and is not permitted by the rules at your level.”

It has already emerged that a Christmas party was held in Whitehall on 17 December 2020 in the private office of Cabinet Secretary Simon Case, which is said to have been separate from the event attended by Mrs. Joseph.

The revelation forced Case to resign as head of the ongoing Party Gate investigation, and senior government employee Sue Gray is now leading the investigation.

Its findings are not expected to be published until next week at the earliest.

Labor Council member Terry Fox, leader of Sheffield City Council, held talks with Ms Joseph earlier on Friday.

“To be honest, I need to express my deep disappointment – people will truly feel angry and let down,” he said in a statement.

“I totally get it. After all Sheffield has been through during the pandemic, this is news we didn’t want to receive.

“For the past year Kate has been an asset to our city, working tirelessly for Sheffield and its people.

“Our residents will have understandable questions and concerns, as we await the results of the investigation.”

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