Covid-19: Boris Johnson again in embarrassment over accusations of partying under confinement

Anger rises. On Monday, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was again faced with embarrassing revelations fueling accusations of breaching health rules against the coronavirus. After suspicions of festive meetings during Christmas 2020, which gave rise to the opening of an internal investigation, new accusations have emerged in recent days about a “garden party” on May 20, 2020, at which, according to some British media, the head of government would have attended with his wife Carrie.

This Monday, according to the ITV News channel, Boris Johnson’s chief private secretary, Martin Reynolds, sent an email that day to a hundred people, inviting them “after an incredibly busy time”, at “enjoy the nice weather” during a drink “with social distancing” in Downing Street Gardens. “Join us from 6 p.m. and bring your own drinks”, concluded the message, at a time when social interactions were drastically limited.

Asked – before this publication – about his presence at this event, Boris Johnson contented himself with an embarrassed smile to refer to the ongoing investigation. Police confirmed Monday night “be in touch” with the government on this case which could be the subject of a new investigation for violation of health rules.

Opposition Labor number two Angela Rayner has called on the head of government to “tell the truth”, accusing him of “contempt” rules. “When he was partying, frontline workers were putting their lives at risk,” she tweeted, referring to health workers, “and too many of us have lost loved ones and couldn’t say a real goodbye to them”.

“I can understand people being upset and angry at these allegations,” Health Secretary Ed Argar told SkyNews on Tuesday. “That is why it is right that the Prime Minister has asked that the ongoing independent investigation be carried out quickly, to determine the facts behind these allegations.”

A month ago, an adviser to Boris Johnson, Allegra Stratton, resigned after a video was published in which she appeared to joke about a Christmas party allegedly taking place in Downing Street in 2020. was added at the end of December the publication by the newspaper’s site The Guardian of a photo showing the head of government and aides with cheeses and glasses of wine in the Downing Street garden. Boris Johnson’s services replied that it was a working meeting.