Boris Johnson ‘had birthday party indoors during lockdown’

ITV reports that Carrie Johnson threw surprise party for prime minister that broke social gathering rules

Carrie Johnson threw a surprise birthday party for Boris Johnson during the first lockdown, despite the rules forbidding social gatherings indoors, according to ITV.

Downing Street has admitted the prime minister attended the gathering in the cabinet room at No 10 with up to 30 people at 2pm on 19 June 2020, but denied reports he held a birthday party later in the Downing Street residence.

ITV News reported that the interior designer Lulu Lytle, who was not a member of No 10 staff, attended the gathering. Lytle was the designer tasked with renovating Johnson’s flat in Downing Street, which became the subject of significant controversy after a donor was asked to fund the refurbishment.

Staffers brought the prime minister a birthday cake and picnic food from M&S, and the gathering lasted 20-30 minutes. No 10 said Johnson attended for less than 10 minutes.

Johnson is alleged to have hosted family friends later that afternoon in his home but No 10 has denied this, claiming he hosted only a small number of family members outside.

Asked about the party, a No 10 spokesperson said: “A group of staff working in No 10 that day gathered briefly in the cabinet room, after a meeting, to wish the prime minister a happy birthday. He was there for less than 10 minutes.”

Regarding the later party in the flat, a spokesperson said: “This is totally untrue. In line with the rules at the time, the prime minister hosted a small number of family members outside that evening.”

Social gatherings indoors at the time were banned, with people permitted only to meet outside in groups of up to six.