"Wine Party at the Official Residence"… UK Prime Minister Faces Additional Allegations of Quarantine Violations During Lockdown

[Asia Economy Reporter Dongwoo Lee] British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is facing a political crisis due to violations of quarantine rules, is suspected of holding a drinking party with close aides at the official residence in May 2020, when the first lockdown due to COVID-19 was imposed.

The British media outlet The Sunday Times reported on the 8th (local time) that on May 20, 2020, Prime Minister Johnson attended a private drinking party in the garden of 10 Downing Street with his wife Carrie Johnson.

The newspaper cited three sources saying that the party was led by Martin Reynolds, Johnson’s chief secretary. He sent invitations to officials for the drinking party, adding 'BYOB' (Bring Your Own Bottle).

One witness explained that there were about 40 people in the garden, including Prime Minister Johnson and his wife, and that drinks, snacks, and sausage rolls were on the table.

At that time, Johnson had issued the first lockdown due to COVID-19. British citizens were only allowed to meet outdoors in groups of up to six people starting June 1.

In the UK, suspicions have already arisen several times that Prime Minister Johnson and his staff at the Prime Minister’s Office enjoyed parties during the COVID-19 lockdown period.

Last month, a photo showing Johnson drinking wine with about 10 close aides on the terrace of the official residence on May 15, 2020, was released to the media, sparking controversy.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.