The images were released Monday followingnoon by British broadcaster ITV with the headline: “Exclusive: Images show Prime Minister Boris Johnson drinking at a Downing Street party in lockdown.”
The images show Johnson raising his glass, guests all defaced except for the Prime Minister, and some bottles of wine and champagne on the table and a bottle of gin, according to ITV.
Awaiting investigation report
The pictures are said to have been taken at the farewell party for Johnson’s former communications chief Lee Cain in November 2020, according to ITV. They question Johnson’s defense of not realizing the gatherings were parties. Aside from those pictured, others attended the party on November 13, 2020, ITV said on Monday.
The final investigative report into the “Partygate” scandal involving banned parties on Downing Street during the 2020/2021 coronavirus lockdown is due to be published this week.
Controversial meeting with top official
Opposition leader Keir Starmer accused the government of already undermining the report by top official Sue Gray. Johnson himself declined to comment Monday on questions regarding the forthcoming report and its implications, saying he would say more following publication.
In the past few days it has become known that there was at least one meeting between the officer Gray and Johnson to discuss the report. Both sides initially blamed each other for calling the meeting. Most recently, Downing Street admitted to having arranged the appointment. A government secretary defended the conversation, saying it had to be clarified which names and photos might be published in the report.
Police investigation completed
The police investigation into the lockdown parties has now been completed. Around 120 fines were imposed, but Premier Johnson only had to pay for one party, despite attending several events. The investigation report might further weaken his position in his party and in office. An abridged version of the report published a few months ago had attested to leadership failure and serious misconduct by those responsible.
Looking for a scapegoat?
According to information from the Sunday newspaper “Observer”, the report mainly criticizes the top civil servant, Simon Case. He is responsible for developing and tolerating a culture of alcohol and rule-breaking at the seat of government. Johnson will make Case a scapegoat, the paper wrote. He might be “sacrificed” in the Johnson affair.
