Party turns sour for Johnson

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was under fire again yesterday after it emerged his private secretary invited over 100 people to a "bring your own booze" party in the garden of Downing Street during the first coronavirus lockdown.

Johnson, who won a landslide victory with the Conserative Party in a 2019 election, has faced intense scrutiny over the past month after a video emerged showing his staff laughing and joking about a Downing Street party during the 2020 Christmas lockdown.

Revelations about a series of parties in Downing Street have garnered widespread derision, prompting quips from comedians and criticism by opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer who says Johnson lacks the moral authority to lead.

Johnson and partner Carrie were among those who gathered with about 40 staff in the garden of Downing Street on May 20, 2020, after the PM's principal private secretary, Martin Reynolds, sent an invite by e-mail, ITV reported.

"After what has been an incredibly busy period we thought it would be nice to make the most of the lovely weather and have some socially distanced drinks in the No 10 garden," he wrote. "Please join us from 6pm and bring your own booze!"

At the time of the party schools were shut to most pupils, and pubs and restaurants were closed, with strict controls on social mixing. Police prosecuted people for having parties, set up checkpoints and used drones to check for infringements.

A senior government official is now investigating reports of at least five parties held in government departments during lockdown restrictions.

Johnson, 57, has in recent months faced criticism over his handling of a sleaze scandal, the awarding of lucrative Covid contracts, the refurbishment of his Downing Street flat and a claim he intervened to ensure pets were evacuated from Kabul during the chaotic Western withdrawal in August.