Boris Johnson 'didn't think he was at party' in new pictures showing him 'raising a glass' at leaving do

Boris Johnson does not think he was attending a party in the image showing him raising a glass and surrounded by wine bottles at a leaving do, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said.

Pictures were released on Monday showing the Prime Minister at a party in Downing Street in November 2020, during the second covid lockdown.

Asked last December in the House of Commons whether there had been a party in No 10 on that date, the Prime Minister said "no" and added he was sure the rules were followed at all times.

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police is facing questions as to why Johnson was not fined in relation to the event when photographs showed him, drink in hand, alongside a table strewn with food and wine bottles.

There were at least eight other people in the room at a time when people were banned from social mixing, other than to meet one person outside, and at least one individual has received a fixed penalty notice in relation to an event on that date.

Shapps told Sky News: "I don't think the fact of the pictures, us seeing them for the first time, changes what the police and Sue Gray already know.

"I see his red box is there, which is his work box, it looks to me like he goes down on his way out of the office and thanks the staff and raises a glass, and doesn't in his mind recognise it as a party. And indeed the police have looked into this and spent a lot of time and resources."

Asked if he is comfortable with the photographs, he said: "I'm not, I couldn't see my own dad for a long period of time because we were obeying the rules but I also accept the Prime Minister has long since apologised, has made fundamental reforms in No 10 and have no doubt if he had his time again he wouldn't have dropped by to say thank you to a member of staff leaving."

Shapps did not deny reports that Johnson suggested to Sue Gray she did not need to publish her partygate investigation.

He said: "I wasn't in the room so I don't know that's the case.

"Exactly what was discussed, I don't know.

"Occasionally things get reported that are not entirely accurate, the civil service were there to make sure that all the correct processes were followed so I have no particular reason for concern about the two of them meeting."

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