Downing Street security guards, who warned of blocking parties, were “ridiculed”

On Tuesday night, officials who were fined for attending parties during the Covid blockade accused Boris Johnson of evading responsibility for the events.

The prime minister was fined only once by the Met, while some No. 10 officials received up to five fixed penalty notifications for attending parties.

Officials said they were confident that Downing Street had checked with the Covid government working group to see if the beverage events taking place in the building were legal, citing Mr Johnson’s presence as proof that they were considered acceptable. time.

Sue Gray’s partygate report, due to be released Wednesday, is likely to include the names of senior government officials she believes are responsible for 16 events on Downing Street and the Cabinet.

The parties include a “bring some alcohol” event hosted by Martin Reynolds, Mr. Johnson’s chief personal secretary.

“The main point in all this was that there was an expectation that the private office, and in particular Martin Reynolds, would check with the Covid working group to ensure that things were within the rules,” said one of those present at the breach events. of blocking in front of The Telegraph.

“I think that if you are a member of the team, especially a junior member, and you have been told by the private cabinet to come to an event with the Prime Minister, you have every right to believe that the event you attended was invited to attend. within the Covid guidelines.

“These people are working incredibly hard, but they think the prime minister has abandoned them and left them to be heard while he is in parliament and saying, ‘I would never do any of this.’ It’s outrageous. “

The Panorama program contains similar allegations by former employees. One told the program that insiders number 10 were distrustful and listened to Mr. Johnson tell MPs that there were no parties.

“We watched it all live and just looked at each other in disbelief like – why? Why does he deny this? “Said an insider.

Mr Reynolds’ e-mail inviting garden party staff was described as “stupid” by another attendee, who said: “I think people knew there would be problems if and when he came out.”

Another former employee described Sue Gray’s investigation and police investigation as a “witch hunt” against junior officers.