Senior British minister Michael Gove on Sunday described a video showing a party at the ruling Conservative Party’s headquarters during a lockdown in 2020 as “terrible,” as COVID rule-breaking gatherings continue to hang over the government.
The Mirror newspaper revealed the video just days after a parliamentary committee ruled that former Prime Minister Boris Johnson had knowingly misled lawmakers about rule-breaking lockdown parties at his office.
The 45-second clip shows revelers partying in December 2020, when the British public in London were banned from socializing indoors to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
People can be seen dancing and drinking in the video. Two of those at the gathering, which had previously been investigated by police when a still photo of it emerged, were given honors by Johnson in his resignation list earlier this month.
“It’s terrible,” said Gove. “I think it’s completely out of order. I just want to apologize to everyone really.”
Johnson stepped down as a member of parliament on June 9, days before the privileges committee – the main disciplinary body for lawmakers – issued its damning verdict on him, re-opening divisions in the party and re-igniting public anger.
Polls suggest the Conservatives, in power since 2010, are trailing the opposition Labour party by about 20% percentage points. The next election must be held by late 2024.
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