A Christmas party in the official residence of the British Prime Minister during the Corona lockdown a year ago puts Prime Minister Boris Johnson under considerable pressure. The ITV broadcaster released an internal video on Tuesday evening suggesting dozen government officials were having a party with drinks, canapés and board games on December 18, 2020. At that time, strict contact restrictions were in place, and celebrations and gatherings were forbidden. Johnson did not take part in the party. He has clearly rejected the allegations in the past few days.

The Daily Mirror newspaper reported on the celebration a few days ago. The government and Johnson personally have since insisted that all Downing Street corona regulations have been adhered to. Political commentators in London agreed on Tuesday evening that the video now published contradicts these assertions. Opposition leader Keir Starmer accused Johnson of lying.

The clip shows Johnson's advisor Ed Oldfield and his then spokeswoman Allegra Stratton joking about the answer to a possible question about a party in a rehearsal for a press conference a few days after the event.

"This fictional party was a business meeting and there were no social distance rules," says Stratton with a laugh.

Another present said there was wine and cheese.

On Tuesday evening, Downing Street said: “There was no Christmas party.

Covid rules were followed at all times. "