Top UK Official Quits Christmas Party Probe Over Report Of Gathering In His Office
NDTV
PM Johnson apologised and his adviser resigned after a video emerged of senior aides joking about a Christmas party at Downing Street last year when social events were banned under Covid-19 rules.
The senior civil servant tasked with investigating claims of parties held by staff from British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservatives during lockdown recused himself on Friday following reports of gatherings in his own department.
"To ensure the ongoing investigation retains public confidence the Cabinet Secretary has recused himself for the remainder of the process," said a statement from Johnson's Downing Street office.
PM Johnson apologised and his adviser resigned after a video emerged of senior aides joking about a Christmas party at Downing Street last year when social events were banned under Covid-19 rules.
The leaked footage appeared to contradict denials by Johnson and his ministers that a party took place, following newspaper reports that dozens of staff had attended an evening-long gathering on December 18, 2020.
