The prime minister’s wife Carrie Johnson led the surprise gathering on the afternoon of 19 June which featured up to 30 people, ITV News reported last night. She is said to have led staff in a chorus of happy birthday, before well-wishers enjoyed picnic food from M&S at the event held just after 2pm.
The Independent has seen evidence that suggests Mr Johnson had a birthday cake with candles, which he blew out after attendees finished singing happy birthday. A No 10 spokesperson confirmed a group of staff had “gathered briefly” in the cabinet room “to wish the prime minister a happy birthday”, adding: “He was there for less than 10 minutes.” Downing Street did not deny Mr Johnson had a birthday cake and blew out candles, but instead referred to their previous statement.
The Independent has separately been told by sources that a group joined Mr and Ms Johnson in their flat the same evening, as first reported by ITV – a claim denied by No 1. “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,” a Downing Street spokesperson added.
Interior designer Lulu Lytle – the person later caught up in the scandal over the complex funding of the PM’s flat refurbishment – also attended the afternoon birthday gathering, ITV reported. A spokeswoman for Soane Britain, the luxury designer cofounded by Ms Lytle, said she had been in Downing Street on 19 June working on the refurbishment.
Esta historia es de la edición January 25, 2022 de The Independent.
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