OPPOSITION leaders are calling for a criminal investigation into rule-breaking Christmas parties on Downing Street.
The Daily Mirror revealed earlier this week that the Prime Minister gave a speech at a packed leaving do for a senior aide last November when the UK was in the midst of the second lockdown.
Members of his No 10 team then held their own festive party days before Christmas, while London was under Tier 3 restrictions.
A Downing Street source said there were often get-togethers in the evenings while the curbs on freedom were in place.
Labour’s deputy leader Angela Rayner has called on the country’s most senior civil servant to call in the police over the allegations.
In a letter, the MP said that “the guidance from central Government was very clear that large gatherings and parties were explicitly forbidden”.
READ MORE: Prominent lawyer says PM talking 'complete boll***s' on Christmas parties
She asked if Case was considering referring the matter to the Metropolitan Police, and also asked whether he would be investigating the use of Government property for the gatherings.
She also insinuated it could be a breach of the ministerial code.
On Wednesday, Boris Johnson did not deny the allegations, while No 10 repeatedly argued that “at all stages the rules have been followed”.
Rayner said: “This Government is undermining public health messaging with their actions and we cannot let this go on unchecked.
“It cannot be that the Prime Minister believes there to be a set of rules for the public and a totally different set of rules for himself.”
A Government spokesperson said: “We have received the letter and will respond in due course.”
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick said on Friday that she is not aware of any complaints being received to date.
She was asked during a phone-in on LBC radio whether her force is investigating one of the reported events, said to have taken place last December.
Cressida replied: “You asked if we are investigating – the answer to that is no. And, as far as I’m aware, we have had no complaints and therefore I really can’t comment on what did or didn’t happen there.”
Asked what would happen if she received a letter, she said: “If I get a letter, I’ll read a letter.”
Pressed further, the police chief added: “This is the Met. We are professional. We are impartial. We act without fear or favour. We follow evidence. That’s what we do.”
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