Johnson’s former PPS admits ‘bring your own booze’ invite was ‘inappropriate’

No 10 staff were invited to “socially distanced drinks” during the Covid-19 pandemic (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

An email inviting No 10 staff to “socially distanced drinks” during the Covid-19 pandemic was “totally inappropriate” in its wording, the senior official who sent it has admitted.

Martin Reynolds, who was Boris Johnson’s principal private secretary at the time, emailed staff inviting them to come for drinks in the No 10 garden to “make the most of this lovely weather” on May 20, 2020.