DARLINGTON'S MP is "unavailable" to comment on the ongoing controversy around a video showing Downing Street staff laughing about an alleged Christmas party.
Leaked footage from Number 10's £2.6m press briefing room emerged which showed former press secretary Allegra Stratton laughing.
Live updates: Boris Johnson faces PMQs on Covid Christmas party amid Plan B rumours
Tory MPs reacted in fury on Wednesday morning, with Sir Roger Gale warning the ‘game’s up’ for Boris Johnson if he misleads Commons over No 10 Christmas party.
The No.10 party has all the hallmarks of another ‘Barnard Castle’ moment. No.10 clearly has some serious questions to answer. Fast.
— Sir Roger Gale MP (@SirRogerGale) December 7, 2021
North Durham Labour MP Kevan Jones said: "The PM’s spokesperson laughing and joking about ignoring Covid restrictions is both insulting and appalling.
Read more: 5 North East firms that were fined for Covid rules last Christmas as Downing Street threw 'party'
"The PM’s continual denial has added insult to injury. He must now come clean about the events.”
The Northern Echo contacted cross-party MPs throughout the North East for comment on the shocking video. Mr Gibson and Mr Jones are the only MPs to have responded so far.
In the video, first revealed by ITV News, Stratton appears to rehearse answers to mock questions about a lockdown-busting Christmas party.
The video, reported to be from December 22 last year, refers to a party on “Friday” – which would have been December 18.
This was the same day The Daily Mirror reported there was a staff party where games were played, food and drinks were served, and revelries went on past midnight.
Number 10 initially did not say the reports were inaccurate but said all rules had been followed, before later denying any party had taken place.
Richmond MP and Chancellor Rishi Sunak denied attending the bash, which reportedly featured an email invitation and to bring “secret Santa” gifts.
Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
You can also follow our dedicated Darlington Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.
For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.
Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel