Newly leaked images show that UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson hosted a Christmas quiz in violation of strict COVID-19 rules.
The images were obtained by the Mirror and show Johnson at the office. The outlet reported that the quiz was held for the staff of the office, but one source said that many people participated in person.
Sources told the mirror teams were in different rooms at the same time, gathered around computers, and in one office there were four six-person teams present. The sources said that staff were drinking and talking for hours after the quiz ended.
They said Johnson made a surprise appearance to host one round of the quiz for about 10 to 15 minutes, with two staff members by his side.
Tier 2 COVID-19 restrictions, which banned social gatherings between members of different households, were in place at the time of the gathering. Work Christmas parties that were mostly social were banned.
Johnson is facing calls to resign after a leaked video showed his staff joking about having a Christmas party in violation of COVID-19 rules. Sources told media that there was a party on December 18, 2020 at the Prime Minister's residence.
Ian Blackford, the Scottish National Party's most senior member of Parliament, said after the reports that trust in leadership is a matter of life and death. The prime minister lost the trust of the people. The most pressing issue facing these islands is no longer being led by him.
The December 18 party was not attended by Johnson.
He said that all the guidelines were observed. I have been satisfied that the guidelines were followed.
The scandal will make it harder for the prime minister to lead his party, according to one Conservative.
Simon Case is leading an investigation into the multiple parties that have been reported in order to determine if the rules were violated.
