Prime Minister Boris Johnson 'had birthday party for himself with 30 people in Downing Street' in middle of first lockdown

Boris Johnson was facing fresh allegations of breaking coronavirus rules, after it emerged staff gathered in No 10 to wish him a happy birthday during the first lockdown.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson joining a socially distanced lesson during a visit to Bovingdon Primary School in Hertfordshire on June 19, 2020. Boris Johnson was facing fresh allegations of breaking coronavirus rules after it emerged a gathering to wish him a happy birthday was held inside No 10 during the first lockdownPrime Minister Boris Johnson joining a socially distanced lesson during a visit to Bovingdon Primary School in Hertfordshire on June 19, 2020. Boris Johnson was facing fresh allegations of breaking coronavirus rules after it emerged a gathering to wish him a happy birthday was held inside No 10 during the first lockdown
Prime Minister Boris Johnson joining a socially distanced lesson during a visit to Bovingdon Primary School in Hertfordshire on June 19, 2020. Boris Johnson was facing fresh allegations of breaking coronavirus rules after it emerged a gathering to wish him a happy birthday was held inside No 10 during the first lockdown

Downing Street said staff only "gathered briefly" in the Cabinet Room after a meeting, after a report from ITV News suggested up to 30 people attended.

The broadcaster suggested the Prime Minister's wife, Carrie Johnson, had organised the surprise get-together on the afternoon of June 19 2020, when indoor social mixing was banned.

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The PA news agency was told that Lulu Lytle, the interior designer behind lavish renovations of his No 10 flat, briefly attended while undertaking work in Downing Street.

A No 10 spokeswoman said: "A group of staff working in No 10 that day gathered briefly in the Cabinet Room after a meeting to wish the Prime Minister a happy birthday. He was there for less than ten minutes."

ITV news also reported that later that evening family friends were hosted upstairs in the Prime Minister's official residence.

Downing Street said: "This is totally untrue. In line with the rules at the time the Prime Minister hosted a small number of family members outside that evening."

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A spokeswoman for Soane Britain, the luxury designer co-founded by Ms Lytle, said: "Lulu was present in Downing Street on June 19 working on the refurbishment.

"Lulu was not invited to any birthday celebrations for the Prime Minister as a guest.

"Lulu entered the Cabinet Room briefly as requested, while waiting to speak with the Prime Minister."