Downing Street officials activated a panic alarm during a boozy 'Wine Time Friday' event - Sue Gray's report has revealed.
On December 18, 2020, Downing Street Press Office staff activated a panic alarm at 7.45pm following a routine "Wine Time Friday" Sue Grays report confirms.
Following a Secret Santa gift exchange, a quiz and an awards ceremony, custodians on duty and a police officer responded to a panic alarm that had been accidentally activated by a member of staff.
They observed a large gathering of people located in the area outside the main Press Office, with food and alcohol on offer.
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Boris Johnson pictured alongside Rishi Sunak
Cabinet Office
Some members of staff, were reported to have drank excessively, with people working elsewhere in the No 10 building reporting significant noise levels from what they called a "party" in the press Office.
The event is said to have lasted long into the night, with varying levels of attendance throughout. No 10 exit files showcase a number of members of staff remaining in the office until after midnight.
A cleaner who tended to the room the next morning noted that red wine was spilled on one wall and on a number of boxes of photocopier paper.
Whilst the event was underway, some work did take place in the Press Office and No 10 including ongoing negotiations on a trade deal ahead of the UK's exit from the EU; and on the emergence of the Delta variant of Covid 19.