Downing Street is facing yet more questions over the Partygate scandal after a new picture emerged of yet another boozy lockdown session.
The image shows a table inside No 10 littered with bottles of fizz and wine to mark the last press briefing held by senior aide James Slack on November 17 2020.
At the time, social gatherings indoors were banned between people from different households as Covid cases were again soaring.
The event, which sources said was attended by 30 to 40 staff, was not believed to have been investigated by Sue Gray in her Partygate probe or by the Metropolitan Police.
Downing Street staff held the event after the last virtual lobby briefing conducted by Boris Johnson's official spokesman James Slack.
The top aide had been promoted by the Prime Minister days earlier to take over from Lee Cain, whose own leaving bash attracted fines, as his director of communications.
Mr Slack became embroiled in the Partygate scandal earlier this year after it emerged that dozens of Downing Street staff partied into the early hours at his leaving do on the eve of Prince Phillip's funeral in April 2021.
The new photograph shows a No 10 official setting out bottles of prosecco, champagne and wine on a table with Krispy Kreme donuts and other sweet snacks.
It was sent round Downing Street aides at on a WhatsApp group in response to a message from a senior aide who wrote at 6.45pm: "Time to open the Covid secure bar".
Minutes later the picture was posted on the group with the message: "The bar is open".
Earlier in the afternoon, No 10 officials exchanged messages which appeared to show that the event was planned in advance.
One posted: "Wine Time Tuesday" with a thumbs up emoji, a reference to the notorious 'Wine Time Fridays' held throughout lockdown by Downing Street staff.
Downing Street staff then discuss going out to buy "reinforcement booze" with one saying: "If someone can help me carry it I'm happy to go".
Another suggests asking No 10's events team whether they would be willing to provide any alcohol and later shares: "We got one bottle".
The image and messages appear to confirm claims by multiple sources that lockdown-busting social gatherings took place in No 10 throughout the pandemic.
Sue Gray investigated 16 gatherings at the heart of Government over 12 dates in her report, Scotland Yard then looked at 12 events over 8 dates and issued 126 fines to 83 people.
A No 10 spokesperson said: “As part of their investigation the Cabinet Office team were able to speak to No 10 staff to establish the facts on what happened during this period. Both they and the Met Police have had access to all information relevant to their investigations, including photographs.
“The Met have concluded their investigation and Sue Gray will publish her report shortly, at which point the Prime Minister will address Parliament in full.”
Mr Slack has been approached for comment.
