Johnson faces fresh outrage over birthday party in No 10

Boris Johnson is facing renewed anger from MPs and bereaved families after it emerged that his fiancee had thrown him a surprise birthday party during lockdown and sources said yesterday an official inquiry had uncovered “appalling evidence of mismanagement” at the heart of Downing Street.

- Jessica Elgot, Aubrey Allegretti

Sue Gray, the senior civil servant leading the inquiry into Downing Street parties, is expected to make deeply critical recommendations on overhauling No 10’s operation after hearing of repeated failures of leadership , according to a Whitehall source who spoke to the inquiry.

In the latest alleged breach of rules, No 10 admitted that Carrie Johnson had held a party for the prime minister and up to 30 staffon 19 June 2020 despite Covid rules banning indoor social gatherings. Outdoor gatherings were limited to groups of six.

ITV reported that the prime minister attended the party in the cabinet room at No 10 at 2pm on his 56th birthday, and that the interior designer Lulu Lytle – who was not a member of No 10 staff– was there. The room was said to have been laid out with Marks & Spencer party food and a birthday cake, with staffsinging happy birthday and staying for 20-30 minutes.

No 10 said that the prime minister attended for 10 minutes and denied reports from ITV that he had held a party later on 19 June in his Downing Street residence. Gray is understood to have already been told about the allegations, meaning the latest exposé is unlikely to delay publication of her report, expected late this week.

A spokesperson for Lytle said she was working on the controversial refurbishment of Johnson’s flat that day, adding: “ Lulu was not invited to any birthday celebrations for the prime minister as a guest. Lulu entered the cabinet room briefly as requested, while waiting to speak with the prime minister.”