Boris Johnson scrutinised as lockdown photos emerge
Photographs obtained by ITV News show the Prime Minister raising a toast at what is believed to be a gathering with other MPs for outgoing Director of Communications Lee Cain in November 2020.
The gathering has previously been investigated by police for the potential breach of lockdown laws in place at the time.
The Prime Minister’s office said police already had access to the photographs during the investigation. The Cabinet Office has so far declined to comment.
The photographs seem to contradict Johnson’s previous explanations around the Partygate scandal. He has previously stated that “the rules were followed at all times”.
At the time of the Cain party, gatherings with people outside of your own home were banned.
Some publications quoted sources whose statements cannot at present be proved or disproved to further embellish bias.
Boris Johnson was NOT questioned about party he was pictured at – when others were fined
- One source said: “It’s unbelievable he wasn’t even questioned, when he instigated the event – and even poured the drinks.” – we simply do not know if this true or not as the source’s statement cannot be independently verified and Sue Gray’s report has not yet been published. As mentioned above, the gathering has been included in Partygate investigations.
Boris Johnson instigated leaving party where he was pictured drinking and raising toast, source claims
- Currently unverified and the source remains unknown
Others balanced the argument with Shapps’ counter-justification for the photographs.
Grant Shapps insists Boris Johnson was not ‘partying’ at leaving drinks
Some republished footage to fuel further anger.
Moment Boris claimed ‘rules were followed’ despite new pictures revealing truth
And some remained impartial, running headlines with two perspectives.
Sadiq Khan demands explanation from police after ‘smoking gun’ pictures – as Shapps denies PM was partying
The Times similarly runs a headline encompassing both sides of the story.
Partying PM ‘misled Commons’: Johnson pictured raising glass at lockdown drinks for aide; Sue Gray was ‘pressured’ to drop report in No 10 meeting
The Times
