Socialising banned in Downing Street garden
The intervention came as it emerged that a ban on impromptu socialising in the garden has been slapped on staff in Downing Street.
A “bring your own booze” gathering in the grounds of Number 10 organised by Martin Reynolds, Mr Johnson’s outgoing principal private secretary, on May 20 2020 is one of the events under investigation by the police.
Employees in Downing Street have been warned that the garden is now only for use by residents unless prior approval is granted. The ban includes popping out for brief cigarette breaks, the Mail on Sunday reported.
The development means that only Mr Johnson, his wife Carrie and their two children are likely to use the outdoor space regularly, along with Rishi Sunak, his wife Akshata and their two daughters.
It is part of a wider cultural change under way in Downing Street, as Mr Johnson attempts to draw a line under the partygate saga.
Alcohol is set to be banned after Sue Gray, the senior civil servant, warned in her pared-back report into the row: “The excessive consumption of alcohol is not appropriate in a professional workplace at any time. Steps must be taken to ensure that every government department has a clear and robust policy in place covering the consumption of alcohol in the workplace.”
Boris Johnson to tour Scotland and northern England
On Monday, the Prime Minister will embark on a tour of Scotland and northern England as he seeks to distract people from the row over lockdown parties and focus attention instead on the Government’s “levelling up” agenda.
“I’m getting out of London this week and taking a simple message with me – this government is getting on with the job of uniting and levelling up the country,” he said.
He will stress the importance of access to good healthcare, schools, jobs and transport networks for all Britons, regardless of where they live.
Sir Iain Duncan Smith, the former Tory leader, became the latest senior party voice last week to warn that Mr Johnson would find it difficult to stay in Downing Street if he is fined by the police for breaching Covid laws.
“I think it would be very tough for anyone to remain after that,” he said.
