Minister fails to follow No10 line on Boris Johnson party

Science minister George Freeman said he had been “assured” that people at the reported gathering had stuck to the rules.

However, his comment did not take ownership of the official Government line that the rules were followed and was less categoric than Health Secretary Sajid Javid’s statement on the row on Wednesday.

“Before coming on this morning, I’ve made all the inquiries and I’m absolutely assured that all the rules were followed,” he told Times Radio, stressing he had only come back into Government in the last six weeks.

Pressed on reports that people at the alleged unofficial party were having drinks and games, when the rules at the time were that people could only meet for work, he added: “I was not there, I was not a member of the Government, and I don’t know.

“All I am telling you is I’ve asked the people who were and they have all said the rules were followed.”

The party is said to have gone on past midnight, with people drinking wine and beer, with around 40 to 50 people said to have been present.

No10 has disputed these accounts.

Mr Javid on Wednesday suggested the alleged party may not have happened, adding: “But the point is, whether it’s in Number 10 or any Government department, all rules would have been followed at all times…

“I don’t think there’s anything there.”

The line about the Christmas party, said to have taken place on December 18, has changed and included early on what appeared to be a categoric denial that it had taken place.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer challenged Boris Johnson at Prime Minister’s Questions over the alleged party, saying: “As millions of people were locked down last year, was a Christmas party thrown in Downing Street for dozens of people on December 18th?”