Leaked email shows over 100 staff were invited to garden party at Downing Street during lockdown

The email was sent to over 100 members of staff during the height of lockdown

A leaked email has shown that over 100 members of staff were invited to a garden party at Downing Street during the height of lockdown, ITV revealed tonight. The email contains evidence of a party which took place on May 20, 2020 - a period when the country was under intense restrictions which allowed them to only meet one person outdoors. Over 100 members of staff were sent the invitation by the prime minister's principal private secretary Martin Reynolds in which they were invited to a gathering to "make the most of the lovely weather." https://twitter.com/paulbranditv/status/1480596421766176769?s=21 The email read: "Hi all,

"After what has been an incredibly busy period it would be nice to make the most of the lovely weather and have some socially distanced drinks in the No10 garden this evening.

"Please join us from 6pm and bring your own booze!"

Reports suggest that around 40 people attended the event, including Boris Johnson and his wife, Carrie. The email follows previous allegations of a party which had been hosted on May 15, 2020 after photos of Johnson, his wife and others, including Reynolds eating cheese and drinking wine. Downing Street have previously insisted that the published photograph was a work meeting, however latest evidence now suggests that it was a social gathering. https://twitter.com/PaulBrandITV/status/1472646544524460040 On the day the party is alleged to have happened, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden had addressed the nation where he reminded the nation during the daily press conference that they must only meet in pairs outdoors just an hour before the event. Related links:

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