AN official probe is to focus on three government staff parties — including one Boris Johnson is accused of attending.
The PM asked Simon Case, Britain’s most senior civil servant, to investigate alleged gatherings on November 27 plus December 10 and 18 last year.
Amid a furious backlash from MPs from all sides, the focus will be on the third soiree at Downing Street that sparked the controversy.
But it is claimed Mr Johnson gave a leaving speech at the November bash.
Cabinet Officer minister Michael Ellis told angry MPs: “The investigation will establish whether individual disciplinary action is warranted.”
It has also been suggested a separate event at the Conservative HQ saw staff drink until the early hours and even break a door, with four workers disciplined.
All of the parties were held when restrictions banned people from meeting up inside in to try to control Covid.
Mr Ellis said any evidence of potentially criminal behaviour “will be referred to the police and the Cabinet Office’s work may be paused”.
MPs lined up to criticise the PM, with Tory Theresa Villiers saying: “There is public anger about what seems to have happened at Downing Street, contributing to discontent with renewed Covid restrictions.”
It was revealed last night the PM’s chief spin doctor Jack Doyle attended the controversial party on December 18 and even gave a speech thanking staff for their hard work.
But No10 sources insisted: “He does the same thing every Friday.”
Downing Street last night cancelled this year’s Christmas party over Omicron fears while Chancellor Rishi Sunak also abandoned festive drinks due to take place next week.
