ONE of Swindon's MPs has said a leaked email appearing to show Downing Street's private secretary arranging a lockdown-busting drinks gathering in the garden at No 10 is "clearly concerning".

Martin Reynolds, the Prime Minister’s principal private secretary, sent an email to more than 100 Downing Street employees asking them to “bring your own booze” for an evening gathering, ITV has reported.

Mr Reynolds said they should “make the most of the lovely weather”, despite England being under tough Covid-19 restrictions in May 2020.

Swindon Advertiser:

MP for South Swindon Sir Robert Buckland said: "This report is clearly concerning and I would expect that it should be fully investigated."

MP for North Swindon Justin Tomlinson added: "Rightly there is a full, independent investigation being conducted by Sue Gray - someone with the utmost respect across the political spectrum.

"Actions will follow this thorough, detailed investigation."

Swindon Advertiser:

Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner said Mr Johnson “should be ashamed” following further claims of rule-breaking at No 10, which she described as “despicable”.

The Prime Minister imposed England’s first lockdown to combat Covid-19 in March 2020 and it was not until June 1 that groups of up to six people were allowed to meet outdoors.

The email from Mr Reynolds relates to an event said to have taken place on May 20 2020.

Allegations of that gathering, said to have been attended by 40 people, emerged last week when Dominic Cummings, a former senior aide to Mr Johnson, said he had warned at the time the “socially distanced drinks” were likely to be against the rules and “should not happen”.

The Sunday Times and ITV have alleged the Prime Minister attended the event with his wife, Carrie Johnson.