UK official quits role probing lockdown parties last X'mas

LONDON • Britain's top civil servant Simon Case has stepped down from leading a probe into alleged Christmas parties last year in government offices in breach of Covid-19 lockdowns, after an event was held in his own office.

"To ensure the ongoing investigation retains public confidence, the Cabinet Secretary has recused himself for the remainder of the process," a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson's office said late on Friday.

"The work will be concluded by Sue Gray, second permanent secretary at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. She will ascertain the facts and present her findings to the Prime Minister."

A video emerged earlier this month showing Mr Johnson's staff laughing and joking about a Downing Street party during a Christmas lockdown last year when such festivities were banned, resulting in condemnation from political opponents and the public.

Mr Johnson, who has said he had been assured that Covid-19 rules were not broken and that there had been no party, asked Mr Case to investigate.

The alleged parties have dismayed voters who were told by the government to sacrifice their own Christmas events last year.

Mr Johnson's Conservatives lost an election in a previous stronghold on Friday, stepping up pressure from his own lawmakers to reform his operation in Number 10.

The victorious Liberal Democrat candidate in the North Shropshire seat, Ms Helen Morgan, said voters had said loudly and clearly: "Boris Johnson, the party is over."

Mr Case stepped down after the Guido Fawkes website said two events were held in his private office last December.

A government spokesman said Mr Case played no part in the event, but had walked through the team's office on the way to his own office, the BBC reported.

REUTERS