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It was only right to say goodbye to colleagues who were leaving

Boris Johnson, Press Conference after publication of Sue Gray report

24 May 2022

Facts

In a Press Conference after the publication of the Sue Gray report into lockdown parties Boris Johnson wanted to provide more context on some of these events. He said “I was saying farewell to valued colleagues and I know that some people think it was wrong even to do that, I have to say I respectfully disagree. I think it was right when people are working very hard for very long hours when they're giving up a huge amount to serve their country and they're moving on to some other part of government or leaving government service all together i think it is right to thank them”

At the time Mr Johnson was attending Downing Street parties, many Britons were unable to visit loved ones before they died. 

Verdict

Government guidelines explicitly forbade leaving parties. Johnson has not explained why it was right for bim to break guidelines which applied to everyone else apart from him.

We approached Boris Johnson's office, No10 Press Office and the Cabinet Office to give them a chance to comment, but received no response.

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