Most unsocially distanced in UK: Boris Johnson joked about Downing Street party amid Covid
Boris Johnson reportedly had joked about a party at No 10 during the coronavirus pandemic, calling it "the most unsocially distanced party in the UK right now", according to a report by The Independent.
The former prime minister made the remarks at a "boozy" celebration in Downing Street in November 2020 while the Covid-19 curbs were in place, the report further said.
Broadcaster ITV said that when it put the quote to Johnson, who was forced to quit by the Conservatives after the Partygate scandal, the leader "did not deny saying it".
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"I was working late . I heard the prime minister speaking and that's when I heard the quote: 'This is the most unsocially distanced party in the UK right now' and everyone was laughing about it," ITV reported quoting a source.
This is among the several damning new allegations, including claims that Downing Street staff destroyed evidence and some were seen "getting it on" at a party on the eve of Prince Philip's funeral in April 2021.
Johnson was, however, fined by the Metropolitan Police over the party at Downing Street.
But the fine was for attending his own birthday party in June 2020 and not the one on November 13, 2020. The staff was fined for it. Two other members of the staff were reportedly "all over each other" in a Downing Street kitchen area at the gathering.
ITV also reported that whistleblowers said that the staff "corroborated their stories" before the police about their involvement in rule-breaking gatherings.
Documents and evidence were shredded prior to the official probe and police investigation, a source said.
Johnson's spokesperson has not responded to the claims, but said: "During the Covid-19 pandemic, Boris Johnson led our country through its most dangerous peacetime crisis in living memory. As prime minister during a 24/7 national emergency, he worked constantly to ensure the government did everything possible in its power to save lives and protect livelihoods."