Downing Street staff threw a birthday party for British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in 2020, despite Covid lockdown rules which banned indoor socializing, according to a new report.

Arrie Johnson helped organize a surprise gathering for him at No 10 on the afternoon of June 19, attended by up to 30 people, ITV News reported.

She is said to have presented cakes to the Prime Minister and led the staff in a birthday choir before attendees enjoyed picnic lunches from M&S.

A No10 spokeswoman said a group of staff “gathered briefly in the Cabinet Room after a meeting to wish the Prime Minister a happy birthday. He was there less than ten minutes.”

ITV News also reported that friends of the family were later accommodated at the event upstairs at the Prime Minister’s flat – a claim denied by No10.

“That is completely wrong. In accordance with rules at the time, the Prime Minister was hosting a small number of family members outside that evening,” added a Downing Street spokeswoman.

In June 2020 all indoor social gatherings were still prohibited under Covid laws.

Mr Johnson had urged the public to continue to “show restraint and respect the rules” during a Covid press conference nine days before his birthday gathering.

Continue…