December 2020 was a bleak and difficult time for many of us. Covid-19 cases and deaths were then at an all-time high, frontline workers battled against winter pressures and we were just about to be told by the government to “unpack our bags” for Christmas, dashing the hopes of millions that we would finally be reunited with our loved ones after months of lockdown restrictions.

Therefore it’s understandable that as more details continue to emerge about multiple alleged government and Downing Street ‘Christmas parties’ for officials and Westminster journalists that was held on 18 December, going against lockdown rules, people are taking to Twitter to express the “pure rage and pain” the news has caused.

Following the reporting of an alleged party on 18 December, #DowningStreetParty trended consistently on social media. First reported on 30 November by the Daily Mirror, the paper claimed that despite last year’s official Downing Street Christmas party being canceled due to restrictions, staff held an unofficial gathering.

The event reportedly took place two days after London went into Tier 3 lockdown restrictions on 16 December, meaning people were not allowed to mix indoors with anyone outside their household or support bubble. Under the rules, people were allowed to gather if it was reasonably necessary for work purposes, but that would not have included holding a party.

A source who attended later told the BBC that party games were played, food and drink were served, and the party went on past midnight. Reportedly around 30 people had been in attendance, with other staff joining later.

Now, images published by the Daily Mirror and reports of a “raucous” party hosted by Shaun Bailey’s mayoral campaign was held in the Conservative party’s Westminster headquarters on 14 December – while London was in Tier 2 restrictions – have emerged, prompting the London Assembly leader to step down from the role.

More details are emerging about multiple alleged government Christmas parties that broke lockdown rules in 2020