Facts

Journalist Jess Elgot asked the Prime Minister’s spokesperson: “Were you guys at these parties or didn’t you get invited?” 

The spokesperson, after repeatedly denying that any rules were broken in Downing Street, responded: “I don’t have anything on that”. 

Sue Gray’s report revealed that a party involving press office staff took place on November 13. The report said: “A number of press office staff and media special advisers gathered in the Press Office area of No 10 to mark the departure of Lee Cain, the No 10 Director of Communications. The investigation was informed that this was not pre-planned. It did occur at around the time that “Wine Time Friday” would normally be taking place. The Prime Minister attended on his way to his Downing Street flat, having left his office at 19.17. He went to the Press Office area, joined the gathering and made a leaving speech for Lee Cain. Wine had been provided and those attending, including the Prime Minister, were drinking alcohol. There are a number of photographs of the event”. 

Verdict

“No comment” would have been a more truthful response.

We approached the Downing Street Press Office to give them a chance to comment, but received no response.