A new photo showing British Prime Minister Boris Johnson not following government advice on socializing back in 2020, when only two people were allowed to meet in public to curb the spread of covid-19, sparked a fresh controversy in the UK.
The photograph exclusively shared by The Guardian newspaper shows Johnson and his wife Carrie with their newborn baby, as well as some staff sitting around a table in Downing Street garden with wine on the table.
NEW: Downing Street staff and Boris Johnson pictured drinking wine in the No 10 garden last May when the rest of the country was limited to meeting just one other person socially outdoors.
— Paul Brand (@PaulBrandITV) December 19, 2021
Via @guardian https://t.co/Am9Z0qUxo1 pic.twitter.com/T7VTL2nSwh
The photo was released by the newspaper after the prime minister's office denied an allegation that a social event was held in May 2020 and that social restrictions set by the government were breached at Downing Street.
A spokesman for Johnson said the Downing Street staff were working in the garden, however, the photo allegedly taken in May 2020 shows 19 people were in the garden, flouting the restrictions.
Johnson and his wife Carrie, who appears to be holding their newborn baby, were pictured at a table with a cheeseboard and wine, along with two people who were believed to be a civil servant and an aide.
"Work meetings often take place in the Downing Street garden in the summer months," a statement said.
"On this occasion, there were staff meetings following a No. 10 press conference."
????? | BREAKING: Boris Johnson has been pictured with wine and cheese alongside his wife and up to 17 staff in the Downing Street garden - while the U.K. was in LOCKDOWN. But Downing Street say they were working
— Politics For All (@PoliticsForAlI) December 19, 2021
Via @guardian pic.twitter.com/NKS1UuyxLB
The new photo has added to one of Johnson’s hardest times in the office, especially after developments last week as opposition within is Conservative Party has grown over coronavirus regulations, a major by-election defeat in North Shropshire, and the shocking resignation of Brexit Minister David Frost.
The photo followed a series of allegations that Downing Street staff flouted rules at Christmas parties and other social events. Simon Case, the cabinet secretary, had to step down after Johnson ordered an investigation into allegations. It emerged Case’s own office had hosted a party.
This article has been adapted from its original source.
