Conflicting information about a Christmas party with Prime Minister Boris Johnson, in the middle of a rock-hard lockdown, shakes the British government.
British media came across a short video a few days ago where Johnson's employee Allegra Stratton jokes about a Christmas party - at what appears to be a fake press conference.
The recording is interpreted as them rehearsing before a possible scandal when it is revealed that they have ignored the covid rules.
"Regret the comments for the rest of my life"
Stratton has previously been a press secretary and spokesperson for the climate summit in Glasgow and an adviser to Boris Johnson.
After harsh criticism, Stratton announced his resignation in a tearful statement:
"I will regret these comments for the rest of my life," Stratton told the BBC.
Johnson received ruthless criticism and accusations of blackmail in the lower house in London on Wednesday.
Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer noted, among other things, that Johnson "took the public for granted."
"I apologize for the impression this gives.
"I have been assured over and over again - since these accusations came - that no party has taken place, no covid rules have been broken," Johnson said.
But also praises the colleague: "She is a fine colleague who has achieved a lot during her time in government."