Partygate claimed many victims in Westminster, not least Boris Johnson’s premiership. But one consequence of the relentless focus on the shenanigans of 2021 meant that 2022 proved to be a far less festive occasion than some in the great ministries of state had hoped. Officials have grumbled to Mr S that there was a certain reluctance on the part of some departments to help organise shindigs in the most recent Christmas season.
A raft of Freedom of Information requests to seven Whitehall departments has found, surprise, surprise, that no records exist of any office or departmental parties being held at their central London premises in November and December.
‘There is clear guidance outlining that public money must not be used to fund occasions such as social gatherings, retirement or office parties,’ sniffed the Cabinet Office. ‘Any time taken for social gatherings would be on the employee’s own private time,’ replied the Ministry of Justice.
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