Boris Johnson allowed packed parties with staff ‘on their laps’ and ‘staying in’ – new claims

The Mirror was the first to reveal events have been taking place every Friday throughout the Covid pandemic, as Prime Minister Boris Johnson encouraged staff to “let off steam” even though indoor socializing was strictly forbidden.

Boris Johnson has been accused of enabling Partygate culture at Downing Street when he ‘got a glass for himself’ rather than interrupting events, No10 insiders have claimed.

Three Downing Street staffers who attended lockdown busting parties have revealed to the BBC Panorama horrifying details of what went on as the rest of the public followed the Prime Minister’s Covid rules.

Sources told the Mirror back in January the prime minister had encouraged aid workers to “let off steam” despite indoor socializing being banned on “weeping Fridays” under lockdown rules.

A source told The Mirror: “Boris used to stop by to chat while they were having a drink. It was on the way to his apartment and the door was normally open. He knew about it and encouraged it.”

Another added: “He could see everyone sitting there drinking as he walked up to him. He came in and said, ‘Hi, has everyone had a rough week? Let off some steam? Oh cool’.

“The idea that he didn’t know drinks existed is total nonsense. When the PM tells you to ‘let off steam,’ he’s basically saying that’s fine.”

Insiders told the BBC how staff “sat on each other’s laps” and “stayed in overnight” on events that were “nailed in the diary” at least every week.

A No10 insider recalled the moment a Downing Street security guard was mocked after trying to break up a rowdy party.

“People made fun of him because he was so excited that this party was happening and wasn’t supposed to be happening.”

Her evidence will continue to pressure the Prime Minister ahead of the release of Sue Gray’s ‘Partygate’ inquiry, which is expected at No. 10 on Wednesday.