June 18th 2023.
Michael Gove has issued an apology for a 'terrible' video that surfaced online, showing Tory officials drinking and dancing during the lockdown. The video is believed to have been taken at a Christmas party held at Conservative Party headquarters on December 14, 2020.
The footage features two people twirling in front of a warning sign that reads 'Please keep your distance', before they knock into a buffet table full of food and drinks. In addition, attendees can be heard discussing whether it's okay to film the boozy bash, with one person saying, 'As long as we don't stream that we're like, bending the rules.'
Gove expressed his disapproval of the event, which is understood to have been organised by failed Tory mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey. Appearing on Sky News' Sophy Ridge on Sunday, Gove said, 'It's terrible. I think it's completely out of order.'
At the time, London was under Tier 2 restrictions, and the Met Police investigated the event. However, no action was taken against the party, as there was not enough evidence to 'disprove the version of events provided by attendees.' Bailey had publicly apologised for the gathering after a picture of him at the party was published.
When asked if the video footage was available to Tory bosses or police investigators, Gove responded by saying he 'doesn't know'. He went on to apologise to the public for the whole incident, saying, 'I just want to apologise to everyone really who, looking at that image, will think well these are people who are flouting the rules that were put in place to protect us all.'
Later, Gove was questioned about the potential honouring of people who were seen partying in the clip, such as Ben Mallet, who was tapped by Johnson for an OBE. Gove replied that the whole process by which honours are given is a subject of debate, adding that 'any retiring prime minister can put forward people for honours.'
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