Conservative Party aides in the United Kingdom were invited for a “Jingle and Mingle” event during the 2020 COVID-19-induced lockdown, as per an invitation seen by BBC, reported on Monday (June 18). This came a day after Mirror news outlet released a 45-second video which purportedly shows Tory staff drinking and dancing as they appear to joke about “bending” Covid lockdown rules in December 2020.

<h2>‘Jingle and Mingle’ event: Who was invited?</h2>

The invite was reportedly sent to 30 people on behalf of former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s now ex-aide Ben Mallet amid Tier 2 Covid restrictions in London. The restrictions in question had banned indoor socialising.&nbsp;

Image of the invite procured by BBC shows a Christmas theme “Jingle and Mingle” party “save the date” for December 14 at 6:00 pm and reads “For the Shaun Bailey for London holiday party”.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-housing-secretary-michael-gove-sorry-after-clip-shows-tory-members-in-lockdown-party-606034">UK housing secretary Michael Gove sorry after clip shows Tory members at lockdown party</a>

The Conservative Party has said that four people were disciplined over the event, but has not named them. The infamous lockdown parties at the Tory party’s headquarters were organised by the campaign team for Shaun Bailey, who was running for London mayor at the time the video was filmed.

Notably, a spokesperson for Mallet who was also the campaign director for the Conservative Party’s candidate in 2021 said that he did not send out the invitation himself and it was sent by an administrator, reported BBC.&nbsp;

<h2>The Covid party footage released</h2>

The invitation procured by BBC was also released a day after the Mirror released a video which is said to be that of the Tory staff drinking and dancing. The UK’s Metropolitan Police has since said that they are in the midst of assessing the video.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/partygate-scandal-5-key-takeaways-from-committee-report-accusing-boris-johnson-on-lockdown-parties-604914">'Partygate scandal': 5 key takeaways from committee report accusing Boris Johnson of lockdown parties</a>

“We are aware of a video showing a December 2020 event that was previously the subject of an investigation into alleged Covid breaches. Officers are assessing that video,” the UK police told the Mirror.&nbsp;

Though the Daily Mirror provided still images from the footage, Bailey himself is not visible in the film. He had earlier apologised for attending the party. According to BBC, Bailey said that the event “turned into something” after he had left and claimed he was “very upset about the video” as he had “never seen it before”.&nbsp;

<h2>Lockdown rules at the time</h2>

During the lockdown, London was placed under Tier 2 Covid restrictions, which bar people from socialising indoors, except with members of their household or a support bubble.

However, the people who wanted to socialise at that time were allowed to do so in a garden or at a pub with outdoor seating, but the authorities had limited such gatherings to six people. 
 
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Conservative Party aides in the United Kingdom were invited for a “Jingle and Mingle” event during the 2020 COVID-19-induced lockdown, as per an invitation seen by BBC, reported on Monday (June 18).

Conservative Party aides in the United Kingdom were invited for a “Jingle and Mingle” event during the 2020 COVID-19-induced lockdown, as per an invitation seen by BBC, reported on Monday (June 18). This came a day after Mirror news outlet released a 45-second video which purportedly shows Tory staff drinking and dancing as they appear to joke about “bending” Covid lockdown rules in December 2020. ‘Jingle and Mingle’ event: Who was invited? The invite was reportedly sent to 30 people on behalf of former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s now ex-aide Ben Mallet amid Tier 2 Covid restrictions in London. The restrictions in question had banned indoor socialising. Image of the invite procured by BBC shows a Christmas theme “Jingle and Mingle” party “save the date” for December 14 at 6:00 pm and reads “For the Shaun Bailey for London holiday party”. ALSO READ | UK housing secretary Michael Gove sorry after clip shows Tory members at lockdown party The Conservative Party has said that four people were disciplined over the event, but has not named them. The infamous lockdown parties at the Tory party’s headquarters were organised by the campaign team for Shaun Bailey, who was running for London mayor at the time the video was filmed. Notably, a spokesperson for Mallet who was also the campaign director for the Conservative Party’s candidate in 2021 said that he did not send out the invitation himself and it was sent by an administrator, reported BBC. The Covid party footage released The invitation procured by BBC was also released a day after the Mirror released a video which is said to be that of the Tory staff drinking and dancing. The UK’s Metropolitan Police has since said that they are in the midst of assessing the video. ALSO READ | 'Partygate scandal': 5 key takeaways from committee report accusing Boris Johnson of lockdown parties “We are aware of a video showing a December 2020 event that was previously the subject of an investigation into alleged Covid breaches. Officers are assessing that video,” the UK police told the Mirror. Though the Daily Mirror provided still images from the footage, Bailey himself is not visible in the film. He had earlier apologised for attending the party. According to BBC, Bailey said that the event “turned into something” after he had left and claimed he was “very upset about the video” as he had “never seen it before”. Lockdown rules at the time During the lockdown, London was placed under Tier 2 Covid restrictions, which bar people from socialising indoors, except with members of their household or a support bubble. However, the people who wanted to socialise at that time were allowed to do so in a garden or at a pub with outdoor seating, but the authorities had limited such gatherings to six people. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK: Tory members were called for ‘Jingle and Mingle’ party during Covid lockdown, shows invitation

Until a few days ago, it's fair to presume that few people in the United Kingdom, let alone the world, had heard of Sue Gray.

Her name is now in every newspaper, and she is a social media meme, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson's future in her hands.

Investigating an occasion where alcohol was served sounds like an acceptable assignment for her as a former publican.

Is it possible that Boris Johnson broke his own COVID regulations by attending a "bring your own wine" party in his own backyard? 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/partygate-boris-johnson-bracing-for-impact-of-sue-gray-report-447801">Also read | Partygate: Boris Johnson bracing for impact of Sue Gray report</a>

That is what the senior civil servant has been tasked with discovering in a report due next week.

So, who is Sue Gray, dubbed "the person who runs" the UK by former cabinet minister Oliver Letwin?&nbsp;

Sue Gray, who is she?

Sue Gray, who is in her 60s, began working for the government after graduating from university and ascended through the ranks to the Cabinet Office, which provides support to the prime minister and ensures the smooth operation of government. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/downing-street-parties-boris-johnson-fails-to-commit-to-publishing-sue-grays-report-in-full-447908">Also read | Downing Street parties: Boris Johnson fails to commit to publishing Sue Gray's report in full</a> 
 
For six years, she was the head of the ethics team, which advises all government agencies on standards.

She earned a reputation for her tough demeanour and grasp of government matters, to the point where one former minister was told, "Our magnificent United Kingdom is actually totally managed by a lady named Sue Gray."

A former Cabinet Office adviser claimed in 2017: "Sue has been there for so long, she knows everything that anybody has ever done wrong."

Despite having started her career in the civil service, she took a break in the late 1980s to run a bar in Northern Ireland with her husband, country music musician Bill Conlon, according to British media.

She told the BBC, "I loved it at the moment, but I'd never do it again."

(With inputs from agencies)

Until a few days ago, it's fair to presume that few people in the United Kingdom, let alone the world, had heard of Sue Gray. Her name is now in every newspaper, and she is a social media meme, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson's future in her hands.

Until a few days ago, it's fair to presume that few people in the United Kingdom, let alone the world, had heard of Sue Gray. Her name is now in every newspaper, and she is a social media meme, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson's future in her hands. Investigating an occasion where alcohol was served sounds like an acceptable assignment for her as a former publican. Is it possible that Boris Johnson broke his own COVID regulations by attending a "bring your own wine" party in his own backyard? Also read | Partygate: Boris Johnson bracing for impact of Sue Gray report That is what the senior civil servant has been tasked with discovering in a report due next week. So, who is Sue Gray, dubbed "the person who runs" the UK by former cabinet minister Oliver Letwin? Sue Gray, who is she? Sue Gray, who is in her 60s, began working for the government after graduating from university and ascended through the ranks to the Cabinet Office, which provides support to the prime minister and ensures the smooth operation of government. Also read | Downing Street parties: Boris Johnson fails to commit to publishing Sue Gray's report in full For six years, she was the head of the ethics team, which advises all government agencies on standards. She earned a reputation for her tough demeanour and grasp of government matters, to the point where one former minister was told, "Our magnificent United Kingdom is actually totally managed by a lady named Sue Gray." A former Cabinet Office adviser claimed in 2017: "Sue has been there for so long, she knows everything that anybody has ever done wrong." Despite having started her career in the civil service, she took a break in the late 1980s to run a bar in Northern Ireland with her husband, country music musician Bill Conlon, according to British media. She told the BBC, "I loved it at the moment, but I'd never do it again." (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Sue Gray, the female civil servant investigating the UK's 'Partygate' scandal?

Some Conservative members of parliament (MPs) in the United Kingdom are set to send the letters of no confidence in Prime Minister Boris Johnson after the report probing lockdown-breaching parties in Downing Street is published, The Guardian reported.&nbsp;

In the UK, the leadership challenge can be triggered if 15 per cent of Conservative MPs write letters demanding a confidence vote to the chairman of the party's "1922 Committee", which represents lawmakers who have no government jobs.&nbsp;

As per the report, after the civil servant Sue Gray releases probe findings, some senior Tories might force a no-confidence vote in Johnson.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/boris-johnsons-partygate-timeline-of-a-very-british-scandal-447816#may-15-2020-447804">Boris Johnson's 'partygate': Timeline of a very British scandal</a>

"It's the white, middle-aged backbencher he has to watch. People who feel strongly about their morals and to whom this prime minister can't offer anything personally," one MP said as quoted by The Guardian.&nbsp;

There are more than two dozen former ministers who are ready to go against Johnson - more than 70 in that category in total.&nbsp;

Gray's report may determine the prime minister's future, however, Boris has refused to resign despite the criticism.&nbsp;

Although, it is clear when the results of that investigation would be published, especially as police have opened their own investigation.

As per reports, if Gray’s report is published on Thursday or Friday, Johnson will go to the Commons with it.&nbsp;

In the case of Johnson's ouster, possible replacements are UK's Finance Minister Rishi Sunak, who has had a high profile role in publicising the government's support for the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic and foreign minister Liz Truss, who is popular among grassroots party members.&nbsp;

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Some Conservative members of parliament (MPs) in the United Kingdom are set to send the letters of no confidence in Prime Minister Boris Johnson after the report probing lockdown-breaching parties in Downing Street is published, The Guardian reported.

Some Conservative members of parliament (MPs) in the United Kingdom are set to send the letters of no confidence in Prime Minister Boris Johnson after the report probing lockdown-breaching parties in Downing Street is published, The Guardian reported. In the UK, the leadership challenge can be triggered if 15 per cent of Conservative MPs write letters demanding a confidence vote to the chairman of the party's "1922 Committee", which represents lawmakers who have no government jobs. As per the report, after the civil servant Sue Gray releases probe findings, some senior Tories might force a no-confidence vote in Johnson. ALSO READ | Boris Johnson's 'partygate': Timeline of a very British scandal "It's the white, middle-aged backbencher he has to watch. People who feel strongly about their morals and to whom this prime minister can't offer anything personally," one MP said as quoted by The Guardian. There are more than two dozen former ministers who are ready to go against Johnson - more than 70 in that category in total. Gray's report may determine the prime minister's future, however, Boris has refused to resign despite the criticism. Although, it is clear when the results of that investigation would be published, especially as police have opened their own investigation. As per reports, if Gray’s report is published on Thursday or Friday, Johnson will go to the Commons with it. In the case of Johnson's ouster, possible replacements are UK's Finance Minister Rishi Sunak, who has had a high profile role in publicising the government's support for the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic and foreign minister Liz Truss, who is popular among grassroots party members. ×

UK PM Boris Johnson might face letters of no confidence by Tory MPs after 'partygate' probe report