Downing Street cancels Christmas party for staff amid investigation into last year's 'lockdown party'

Downing Street has scrapped plans for a Christmas party this year as the Cabinet Secretary examines one held last year amid allegations it breached Level 3 lockdown rules.

According to No10, this year's celebration was cancelled after Boris Johnson ordered the introduction of Plan B in England.

The new measures include an order to work from home from Monday, a mask requirement already in place in more indoor spaces such as places of worship and cinemas, and vaccination passports for nightclubs and other large venues from next Wednesday.

Asked if there would be a Christmas party at 10 Downing Street this year, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: “I think we have made it clear since the recent situation with Omicron that this is obviously taking up a lot of time at the moment and there are no plans for that.”

When asked when this decision was made, he replied: “After the decision on Plan B and the latest data on Omicron.”

Cabinet Secretary Simon Case is investigating a “Christmas party” at 10 Downing Street on December 18, which was said to have been attended by 30 to 40 people and involved cheese, wine and Secret Santa. He is also investigating another farewell party and an event at the Department for Education.

According to ITV News, No10's communications director Jack Doyle gave a speech and presented awards at the “party” on December 18.

The Prime Minister's spokesman said Mr Johnson had full confidence in Mr Doyle.

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