Partygate BYOB boss “Party Marty” could become an ambassador for alcohol-free Saudi Arabia

Boris Johnson’s former chief private secretary Martin Reynolds left his role as one of the No10’s most senior civil servants in February amid an exodus of staff as Partygate rocked Westminster

Boris Johnson’s former assistant, who organized the ‘BYOB’ lockdown busting party, is set to become an ambassador to the alcohol-free nation of Saudi Arabia, it has been reported.

Martin Reynolds, known as “Party Marty”, left his role as one of the No.10’s most senior officials in February amid an exodus of staff as Partygate rocked Westminster.

The recruitment process at the Foreign Office is still ongoing, according to Sky News, but Mr Reynolds is expected to take over the position in Riyadh.

Mr Reynolds, the Prime Minister’s former chief private secretary, emailed No10 officials during the first lockdown inviting them to “make the most of the nice weather and have some socially distanced drinks” in the Garden.

The email specifically asked officers to “bring your own alcohol” on May 20, 2020.

Alcohol is illegal in Saudi Arabia, where Mr Reynolds is expected to be out and about.

The PM has admitted to being at the party for around 25 minutes to “thank groups of staff” but claimed he “implicitly believes” it was a “work event”.

Even his wife Carrie had flocked to the garden to enjoy the weather, Der Spiegel understands.

Less than an hour before the gathering, which began at 6pm, Cabinet Secretary Oliver Dowden at daily Briefing No. 10 urged the public to meet outdoors in pairs, despite the sunshine.

Mr Reynolds left Number 10 after former political boss and the Prime Minister’s trusted adviser Muira Mirza and Downing Street’s top spin doctor Jack Doyle made their departures.

At the time, some Tory MPs claimed her dramatic departure was part of the Prime Minister’s plan to transform the culture of Downing Street.

Stuart Anderson tweeted: “On Monday Boris Johnson promised MPs a move.

“Tonight we are seeing that change begin and I applaud this swift action by the Prime Minister.”

In a tweet liked by Mr Anderson, Chris Clarkson added: “Earlier this week the Prime Minister promised the Parliament Party a quick and decisive move to No. 10 to get us back on track and focused on people’s priorities – pleased to see for staying true to his word.”

The messages paint a very different picture from Ms Mirza’s words in her letter to the Prime Minister.

She said she had urged Mr Johnson to apologize for accusing Mr Starmer of not prosecuting Jimmy Savile, but “despite my urging, you have not apologized for the misleading impression you created”.

Mrs Mirza was a great asset to the Prime Minister’s journey from City Hall to Downing Street.

A No 10 spokesman said: “Dan Rosenfield offered the Prime Minister his resignation earlier today, which was accepted.

“Martin Reynolds has also informed the Prime Minister of his intention to step down from his role as Chief Private Secretary and the Prime Minister has agreed to this.

“He has thanked them both for their significant contributions to government and No10, including working on the pandemic response and economic recovery.

“They will continue in their duties while successors are appointed and recruitment for both posts is ongoing.”

Treasury Secretary Simon Clarke said “the last days of Rome were funnier, I think” when asked if the Prime Minister’s days were coming to an end.

When asked if “it feels like the last days of Rome there,” Mr Clarke replied: “It doesn’t. I mean… the last days of Rome I think were funnier.”