The identities of a couple filmed dancing in new bombshell Partygate footage have been revealed. A shocking video published by the Mirror shows the pair socialising indoors during lockdown at Conservative HQ as they twirl around during a party.
The revellers have now been revealed as former Boris Johnson campaign aide Malin Bogue and Jack Smith, who works in Parliament for a Tory minister. As reported in the Mirror, the footage was taken while people were stopped from seeing their families shortly before Christmas 2020.
In the clip, the couple can be seen dancing past a sign that reads "Please keep your distance" as they spiral into a table filled with food and knock wine glasses over. The Pogues' Fairytale of New York can be heard playing in the background while the pair look unsteady twirling each other around.
American Ms Bogue is the daughter of a wealthy San Francisco businessman and she was working as director of special projects on Mr Johnson’s successful 2019 Conservative leadership bid. She currently works as a senior consultant for lobbying firm Stonehaven.
While Mr Smith is a parliamentary aide to Tory energy minister Graham Stuart. He was head of social media at the time the video was filmed on December 14, 2020, as the pair were both working on the campaign team of then Conservative London Mayor candidate Shaun Bailey.
The gathering was previosuly investigated by the Metropolitan Police but, due to insufficient evidence, the probe was closed without any fines issued. Scotland Yard is now under pressure to look again in light of the new video.
Cabinet minister Michael Gove admitted the video of Tory Party staff dancing and joking about Covid restrictions during the height of the pandemic was "terrible" and “unacceptable”.
The minister told Sky's Sophy Ridge on Sunday show: "I want to apologise to everyone who, looking at that... will think these people are flouting the rules designed to protect us all."
He added: “The fact that this was happening at the height of the pandemic when the virus was spreading and people were observing significant rules in order to make sure they protected others. The fact that this party went ahead is indefensible. The people who were there I'm sure feel contrite, I certainly hope they do.”
Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner said the footage shows Tories "openly mocked the rules the British people followed" while Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper said it should make ministers "sick to their stomachs".
"Revellers at this lockdown Tory booze-up openly mocked the rules the British people followed. The Tories think it's one rule for them and one rule for everyone else," Mrs Rayner said.
"Instead of forcing them to face the consequences, Rishi Sunak has caved into Boris Johnson's demands and chosen to reward them with honours. It's a sickening insult.
"This Prime Minister is failing to deliver the integrity he promised and showing he's too weak to turn the page on 13 years of Tory scandal."
Ms Cooper said: "Conservative MPs and ministers should be sick to their stomachs seeing this new Partygate footage. While families grieved and NHS staff worked on the front line, Conservative campaign headquarters partied.
"What's worse is the current Prime Minister granted Boris Johnson's request to give some of these people honours. There are thousands of families out there who deserve an apology for this scandal - Rishi Sunak should give them one immediately."
Ms Bogue, Mr Smith and Mr Stuart did not respond to requests for comment.
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