During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, footage has emerged that allegedly shows Conservative Party staff disregarding COVID-19 rules and enjoying a Christmas party at the party’s headquarters. The video, obtained by the Mirror, shows staff members wearing paper crowns and holding alcoholic drinks while dancing. One person can be heard saying that as long as the party isn’t streamed, they are bending the rules. The party reportedly had at least 24 attendees and took place on December 14, 2020, at the Conservative Campaign Headquarters in London.
Among the attendees were Shaun Bailey, who recently received a peerage in former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s resignation honours list, and members of his team from his unsuccessful campaign for London mayor. Tory aide Ben Mallett, who was awarded an OBE, was also visible in the video.
At the time of the party, indoor socializing was banned in London under Tier 2 restrictions. Socializing indoors was only permitted with members of one’s household or support bubble. Those who wanted to socialize had to do so outdoors in a garden or at a pub with outdoor seating, limited to groups of six people.
The Metropolitan Police launched an investigation after the Daily Mirror published a photo of the gathering. However, they concluded that the photo alone was not sufficient evidence to determine if an offense had occurred.
Opposition politicians expressed outrage over the footage. Labour’s deputy leader Angela Rayner criticized the Conservative Party for mocking the rules that the British people had followed, accusing them of a double standard. She also criticized Prime Minster Rishi Sunak for awarding honours to party attendees. Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper also condemned the party, stating that while families were grieving and NHS staff were working on the front line, the Conservative Campaign Headquarters was partying.
A spokesperson for the Conservative Campaign Headquarters stated that senior staff members became aware of an unauthorized gathering organized by the Bailey campaign and took formal disciplinary action against the four staff members who were seconded to the campaign. Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove, appearing on the BBC, apologized for the behavior exhibited at the party, calling it unacceptable and indefensible. However, he defended the decision to confer honours on the party attendees, stating that it was the prerogative of outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson to make such decisions.
Overall, the footage of the Conservative Party staff enjoying a Christmas party and seemingly disregarding COVID-19 rules has sparked outrage from opposition politicians and raised questions about the integrity of the party.