Boris Johnson is facing yet more allegations of breaking lockdown rules, after Downing Street admitted he attended a gathering at which he was presented with a birthday cake by his partner and staff.
After ITV broke the news last night, No 10 admitted the prime minister attended the bash, which was reportedly organised for him by his partner Carrie, but said he did so only for around 10 minutes.
Some 30 people were said to have attended the gathering, including Lulu Lytle, the interior designer who was then redecorating the prime minister's flat.
READ MORE: Met Police now investigating Downing Street parties
Nevertheless, legal experts have warned the gathering appears to have been illegal at the time.
The rules on June 19, 2020 - the day of the party - prohibited any indoor socialising: pubs, restaurants, and theatres were all completely closed, and inessential shops had only reopened four days earlier.
ITV alleges a second birthday party later that evening in Johnson's private living quarters in Downing Street. No 10 have denied this claim, saying the PM hosted family members in the garden.
When was Boris Johnson's birthday party?
Both parties reported by ITV News happened on June 19, 2020 - the day of Boris Johnson's 56th birthday.
No 10 has admitted the first, which happened in the afternoon in the cabinet room.
It has queried the second, which, according to ITV, happened later that evening in the prime minister's private flat; Downing Street say it happened in the garden.
Who was at the Downing Street party?
Attendees at the first birthday party, which happened in the cabinet room, included the PM, his partner Carrie, his interior designer Lulu Lytle, and Downing Street staff, who led a chorus of Happy Birthday.
A cake was also presented, and nibbles from M&S eaten by all. The 30 or so attendees reportedly also included: Martin Reynolds, the PM's principle private secretary who arranged the May 20, 2020 party; Jack Doyle, No 10's director of communications; and Shelly Williams-Walker, No 10's head of operations.
ITV News reported the party lasted between 20 and 30 minutes; Downing Street claim the PM only attended for around 10 minutes. There was no provision in the lockdown laws for how long a gathering lasted.
ITV also reported the evening party took place in Johnson's flat, attended by the PM, Carrie, and family friends. No 10, on the other hand, say it was held in the garden and attended by a small number of family members.
What were the rules at the time?
On June 19, 2020, outdoor gatherings between up to six people were legal, but indoor social gatherings were not allowed under any circumstances. Overnight stays away from home were not permitted.
Pubs, restaurants, theatres, and cinemas were all still closed, and inessential shops had only opened four days earlier.
Schools had reopened for some year groups earlier that month. Many other pupils were told to remain learning from home.
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