the party took place when covid rules made such gatherings illegal. borisjohnson�*s spokesperson said, "i don't need to get into the positions we have taken, it's simply a statement of fact". but this isn't simple. because ever since the daily mirror broke the story, the government has been trying to explain that what happened was within the rules, and that it wasn't a party, without offering any evidence to back up either claim. there was this from the prime minister last wednesday. all guidance was followed completely during number ten. then there was the vaccines minister maggie throup on question time last thursday. i have been reassured that all guidance was carefully followed as it continually is. does that answer your question? no! no evidence was offered to justify that reassurance. then at the weekend, we heard from dominic raab, the justice secretary, and deputy prime minister, who appeared on andrew marr�*s programme. last christmas, were christmas parties allowed in london? so, look, if you are, so, generally, no. no? no.