Breaking: Prime Minister's principal private secretary to keep job after Downing Street party scandal

The Prime Minister’s principal private secretary Martin Reynolds “continues in his role” and has the full confidence of Boris Johnson, No 10 has said, after it emerged he invited more than 100 Downing Street employees to a gathering during Covid restrictions.

Martin Reynolds, the Prime Minister’s principal private secretary, sent an email to more than 100 Downing Street employees inviting them to “make the most of the lovely weather” in the garden.

England was under tough coronavirus restrictions which banned groups from meeting socially outdoors at the time the message was sent.

Downing Street did not respond to questions on whether Boris Johnson complied with the “bring your own booze” stipulation on the party invitation.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “I’m not going to comment.”

Mr Johnson has refused to say whether he attended the May 20, 2020 gathering in the Downing Street garden while England was in a lockdown.