It was the hottest day of the year, the sun was shining with the temperature in the mid-20s, perfect for a get together – or so one of Boris Johnson’s top officials had obviously thought.
In an email, sent to more than 100 employees, on 20 May 2020, Martin Reynolds, the prime minister’s principal private secretary, wrote: “Hi all, after what has been an incredibly busy period we thought it would be nice to make the most of the lovely weather and have some socially distanced drinks in the No 10 garden this evening. Please join us from 6pm and bring your own booze!”
