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.
This story is from the January 25, 2022 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 25, 2022 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Bank holds fire but there is good news for homeowners
Here’s the good news: a rate cut in either July or August can probably be characterised as a racing certainty.
BoE holds interest rates at 5.25% despite hopes of cut
Homeowners hoping for a drop in their mortgage repayments will be disappointed by the Bank of England's decision to keep the base rate on hold.
El Kaabi strikes again as Villa limp out of Europe
Olympiacos won 6-2 on aggregate
'Banter era' United can still hobble Arsenal's title chase
It’s got to the point where, after nights like Monday, Erik ten Hag doesn’t really know what to say any more.
How do Real Madrid keep creating European magic?
“It’s something unexplainable,” Carlo Ancelotti said, more than once, on a night when he could have been talking about any number of elements.
Passengers injured as 737 skids off runway in Senegal
Passengers were left terrified after a Boeing 737 plane skidded off the runway at Senegal’s main airport causing 10 people to be injured.
Russia's Victory Day parade features single tank... again
Lone T-34 accompanied by armoured vehicles in Red Square
Daniels denies claims she made up Trump sex story
Over two hours of fierce cross-examination from Donald Trump’s legal team yesterday, Stormy Daniels fought off attacks designed to undermine her credibility and cast her as a liar and opportunist.
UN envoy says world can't ignore Sudan's 'silent war'
Human Rights Watch alleges genocide was likely committed
The split between Biden and Netanyahu is widening
There has never been any love lost between President Joe Biden and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but until this week, one could usually say with high confidence that their dysfunctional personal relationship would take a backseat to the historic alliance between the US and Israel.
