Boris Johnson had a birthday party with up to 30 people during the first lockdown, on the same day he returned from a Hertfordshire school.

ITV News has published an exclusive story reporting that the Prime Minister had a surprise get-together on June 19, 2020, just after 2pm.

According to the report, it was hosted by his wife Carrie Johnson and up to 30 people were in attendance despite restrictions forbidding social indoor gatherings at the time.

This same day, the Watford Observer reported that Mr Johnson was filmed heading into Bovingdon Primary Academy in Bovingdon High Street during the morning.

Mr Johnson toured the school, many of whom were out of school for weeks and weeks at the time due to the pandemic.

 

Boris Johnson was at a school in Bovingdon before allegedly breaking lockdown rules. Credit: PA

Boris Johnson was at a school in Bovingdon before allegedly 'breaking' lockdown rules. Credit: PA

 

He joined a socially distanced lesson and could be seen talking to pupils from the front of the classroom, before venturing out onto the school playground.

The Prime Minister was also photographed standing in a queue as pupils waited to wash their hands at a sink, and he took the opportunity to wash his hands too.

It is understood that the alleged party took place just after Mr Johnson’s return from the school.

At the gathering, he was presented with a cake and staff sang happy birthday, and it lasted for around 20 to 30 minutes.

 

Boris Johnson was at a school in Bovingdon before allegedly breaking lockdown rules. Credit: PA

Boris Johnson was at a school in Bovingdon before allegedly 'breaking' lockdown rules. Credit: PA

 

Downing Street however says that the Prime Minister only attended for less than 10 minutes.

ITV News reports that on the evening, family friends were hosted upstairs in Mr Johnson’s residence, allegedly further breaching the rules that day.

Number 10 has denied this, claiming Mr Johnson only hosted a small number of family friends outside.

Addressing the allegations of the birthday celebration in the afternoon, No 10 said: “A group of staff working in No 10 that day gathered briefly in the Cabinet Room after a meeting to wish the Prime Minister a happy birthday. He was there for less than ten minutes.”

Responding to the claims that there was an evening celebration, a spokesperson said: “This is totally untrue. In line with the rules at the time the Prime Minister hosted a small number of family members outside that evening.”