yomptepi wrote:Positive Passion wrote:yomptepi wrote:
This latest one is stretching the point a bit. I don't think anyone would describe a sing song and a slice of cake as a party. And weren't they all already in the same office together ? In some ways this dilutes the seriousness of the early breeches of the rules. The next thing you know they will be saying that going to work at number 10 constututed a party.
As I understand it, the attendees were in Downing Street, in various offices, but gathered in the Cabinet Room for this social purpose. It is not like the cake happened to be handed round at a cabinet meeting. Carrie Johnson's presence destroys any idea that this was work-related.
Although she was in the building and in the bubble. I assume that if someone had put the kettle on and made tea for everyone, and had the temerity to offer buiscuits, this too would be a party.. I am happy that parties did take place in Downing Street during lockdaown. We have to be careful that we don 't throw out the baby with the bath water though. Otherwise the whole case becomes contaminated.
Miriam Webster: a social event in which entertainment, food, and drinks are provided
Collins: A party is a social event, often in someone's home, at which people enjoy themselves doing things such as eating, drinking, dancing, talking, or playing games.
By those definitions I would argue that it was a party. Doesn't really matter, it was clearly a social gathering with more people than was allowed at the time. It was definitely not a work activity, Carrie Johnson and the decorator's presence belying that.
Agree that it wasn't much of a party. You may be happy there were parties in Downing Street during lockdown, I'm not. It is a sad indictment that Johnson may go because of the social gatherings when there are so many other and better reasons why he should have resigned.
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