Fact

On 14 June 2021, an image was released showing a group of Tory aides at a christmas party breaking lockdown rules. 

The picture, taken on 14 December 2020, shows 24 people, including Shaun Bailey, crowded together in a room in the Conservative Party’s Headquarters, whilst London was in Tier 2 Lockdown. 

While London was in Tier 2 Lockdown gatherings of two or more persons were prohibited unless an exception, such as where a gathering was reasonably necessary for work purposes.

The day after the image was released, Shaun Bailey appeared on GB News, stating that he “toodled off” to appear on the BBC’s Newsnight programme before the party was in full swing. 

An investigation by the Daily Mirror stated that Shaun Bailey remained in the same building for more than an hour after the photo was taken. 

Shaun Bailey’s lawyers told the Daily Mirror that he had been “unintentionally inaccurate” in the interview with GB News.

Verdict

Bailey’s lawyers later told the Daily Mirror that he was “unintentionally inaccurate.” 

We emailed Shaun Bailey’s London Assembly office and his House of Lords Office offering him the chance to respond. No reply.