Boris Johnson Cancels Downing Street Christmas Party This Year

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson canceled the Downing Street Christmas party this year after fury over the lockdown bash.

Johnson has faced intense scrutiny this week after a leaked video showed the prime minister’s then aide Allegra Stratton joking about an alleged party at No.10.

The bash reportedly took place on December 18, less than 24 hours before Johnson stated that people could not see their loved ones over the Christmas period.

On Wednesday, Johnson announced new measures that it included asking people to work from home where possible, in addition to wearing masks in most public indoor venues to curb the spread of the Omicron variant.

Asked whether people should cancel plans for Christmas parties or nativities, he said: "We don't want kids to be taken out of school before the end of term and we don't want nativity plays to be cancelled."

"It’s OK to keep going with Christmas parties, but obviously everybody should exercise due caution, have ventilation, wash your hands, get a test before you go – give everybody else confidence that they are going to be meeting somebody who is not contagious.”

On Thursday, the Financial Times reported that Downing Street had decided not to go ahead with plans for a Christmas party this year.

Also on Wednesday, the Prime Minister announced that an inquiry has been launched into alleged gatherings held at No. 10 over the festive period last year.