What is the UK government's Christmas party scandal all about?

(MENAFN- BreezyScroll)

The UK government is embroiled in a Christmas party scandal. Simon Case, the cabinet secretary was supposed to share the findings of the investigation. However, his resignation as the investigator has delayed the results. Here's all you need to know about it. 

The Downing Street lockdown parties dubbed the“party gate” or“Christmas party scandal” are causing a lot of havoc. Boris Johnson, the prime minister of the UK, ordered investigations on the issue. However, Simon Case, the United Kingdom's highest civil servant, is no longer investigating the case. Case stepped down from the post since two of the rule-breaking parties were allegedly held at his office. The case was supposed to reveal the findings of the investigation on December 17. However, the resignation is causing a delay. They will now be carried out by Sue Gray. Gray is the second permanent secretary at Housing and Communities at the Department for Leveling Up. Gray is described as 'not a pushover and 'formidable' by Tory MP Richard Holden. Additionally, Gray was also described as“the most powerful person you have ever met” on BBC.

The Christmas party scandal investigation was aimed at finding out if three Christmas parties took place, breaking COVID-19 protocols. The alleged parties took place in Downing Street on November 27, December 15, and 18. Additionally, another party took place at the education department on December 10. The parties took place at a time when London was under Tier three restrictions. This meant that social events and parties were banned. 

The scandal began with a video posted online, revealing Johnson's senior aides joking about breaking COVID-19 lockdown rules for the sake of a Christmas party. The video sparked controversy from both the public and opposition about the government flouting protocols when their members were breaking them. In the clip, Ed Oldfield, PM's special adviser, asks Allegra Stratton about a Christmas party on Downing Street. Stratton laughs as replies that she just went home. Oldfield then asks if the PM would condone it to which she replies with“Is cheese and wine alright? It was a business meeting…”

“This is recorded. This fictional party was a business meeting. And, it was not socially distanced. We all know someone who died from Covid and after seeing this all in the papers I couldn't say anything. I'm so angry about it all, the way it is being denied,” she added jokingly. An ITV report also reveals that the police were actively searching for rule-breakers.“Officers have shut down a wedding where 40 people were in attendance. Holding large gatherings could be the difference between life and death for someone else. London is in Tier 3. You must not mix inside with anyone, who is not in your household or support bubble,” tweeted the London Metropolitan Police. 

While PM Johnson has denied the allegations, the Mirror reported that he hosted a quiz at 10 Downing Street, last Christmas.“It is deeply embarrassing for the government — and for the cabinet secretary — that he is now seen to have a conflict of interest in this inquiry,” stated Nick Eardley.“The big picture is that Boris Johnson has faced a torrid few weeks which have left his party jittery. The list is long; the handling of sleaze allegations, the record Tory rebellion in the Commons, the loss of an incredibly safe seat, the continued fallout from allegations of Christmas parties in Whitehall,” he added, analyzing the situation. 

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