Susanna Reid slams Boris Johnson over ‘upsetting’ accusations of lockdown parties in Downing Street

Susanna Reid has slammed Boris Johnson and Number 10 after Downing Street was accused of breaking their own strict Covid rules with a series of parties last winter.

Dozens of staff in the building are said to have been ‘cheek by jowl’ at two festive gatherings, according to the Daily Mirror.

The Prime Minister reportedly gave a speech at a packed leaving do for a key aide last November – despite the country being in its second lockdown.

Hitting out at Boris on Good Morning Britain, Susanna said: ‘When people look at the Prime Minister and Number 10, and think “You introduced rules that meant that all of that happened and you didn’t stick to them yourselves”, that is what is upsetting.’

Then, with London under ‘Tier 3’ rules days before Christmas, key members of his team held their own unofficial festive party in the building – in an event branded a ‘Covid nightmare’.

Hitting out at the Prime Minister on Good Morning Britain earlier today, Susanna spoke about the people who had experienced loss and time away from their loved ones.

Susanna hit out at the Prime Minister (Pictures: ITV)

‘Members of the public, and people on this programme, have experienced restrictions and what that has meant,’ she said.

‘When people look at the Prime Minister and Number 10 and think “You introduced rules and you didn’t stick to them yourselves”, that is what is upsetting.’

The presenter also reiterated her criticisms on Twitter, saying: ‘The point about Christmas parties is that last year we weren’t allowed to gather, when those at Number 10 were going ahead. 

‘They ARE allowed this Christmas but the rules were very strict a year ago before widespread vaccination and people were desperately missing being together.’

Mr Johnson and his top team have repeatedly faced hypocrisy allegations during the Covid crisis (Picture: Henry Nicholls WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Number 10’s official staff Christmas party is said to have been cancelled but the alleged leaving do is said to have occurred on November 27 and the unofficial Christmas bash, which the PM did not attend, on December 18 – after London moved to the third tier of local restrictions.

Rumours of a third, smaller gathering on the night top aide Dominic Cummings walked out, on November 13, is said to have involved staff ‘all getting totally plastered’.

More: Boris Johnson

Metro.co.uk has approached Downing Street about the latest accusations, which come after Mr Johnson said Christmas parties should not be cancelled despite fears over the new Omicron variant.

But a spokesman did not deny the claims to the Mirror, and claimed: ‘Covid rules have been followed at all times.’

Good Morning Britain airs on weekdays at 6am on ITV.

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