Boris Johnson’s most senior communications adviser addressed staff and handed out awards on the night of the alleged Downing Street party, it is understood.

Jack Doyle, the director of communications in Number 10, thanked staff working there “like he does every week”.

Downing Street Christmas parties: How many events are now under investigation and when were they?

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

The political adviser in overall charge of Mr Johnson‘s communications also gave out “thank you awards” on the night of 18 December, Sky News understands.

ITV News was first to report Mr Doyle was present on the evening of 18 December 2020.

Mr Doyle has overseen the communication strategy which has seen Number 10 deny for a week that there was a party on 18 December, after the Daily Mirror first revealed details.

According to sources who have spoken to Sky News, the event on 18 December was a party which took place with around 40 people in attendance.

Tory party fined over Downing Street flat refurb as investigation contradicts PM’s account

COVID-19: Downing Street seeks to play down significance of Boris Johnson’s mandatory jabs comment

Michael Gove is third minister to isolate after Australia’s deputy PM tests positive for COVID-19

Following leaked footage of Number 10 aides laughing about an event, Mr Johnson has tasked the Cabinet Secretary Simon Case with investigating what happened and whether they were telling the truth.

Speaking at PMQs on Wednesday, the PM apologised and said he was “furious” at the footage, but told MPs he has been “repeatedly assured” no such gathering took place.

Allegra Stratton, one of the advisers who was seen in the video joking about a Christmas party, announced her resignation later that day.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

The footage, obtained by ITV News, is reported to be of a rehearsal for a TV media briefing from 22 December last year – four days after an alleged Christmas party took place in Number 10.

Senior Number 10 aides are heard jokingly referring to a “business meeting” and a “cheese and wine” event.

London had been put into Tier 3 restrictions on 16 December, preventing mixing indoors between households.

Related posts:

Lobbying rules are ‘pretty good’ and Cameron didn’t do anything wrong – minister Starmer slumps 17 points behind PM in new poll – and a third of Labour voters want him to quit ‘Democracy will always prevail’: Boris Johnson to pay tribute to 9/11 victims on 20th anniversary Sturgeon won’t call new Scotland independence vote until COVID ‘under control’ Priti Patel backed by health secretary amid fresh claims she broke rules UK delays implementing post-Brexit border controls on agri-food imports from EU Omicron cases being treated in hospital, cabinet minister tells Sky News PM facing major revolt over COVID-19 curbs, amid ‘authoritarianism’ warning Booster jabs offered to all adults by end of the year to tackle ‘tidal wave’ of Omicron cases – PM PM trapped between his party and scientists as he faces unhappy Christmas Is a culture change in No 10 possible while Johnson stays PM? Sturgeon under pressure to ease COVID restrictions in Scotland