Page:Sue Gray Report.pdf/13

 ''I think send it to relevant teams. The Everyone email goes very wide (protection team etc)’. ''The email invitation was subsequently issued on behalf of Martin Reynolds at 13.44 with a further copy of the scheduler. The email said:

 'Hi all,

After what has been an incredibly busy period we thought it would be nice to make the most of this lovely weather and have some socially distanced drinks in the garden this evening.

''Please join us from 6pm and bring your own booze! ''

Martin." 

The email invitation was sent to a number of group distribution lists, as well as individuals, comprising in total around 200 staff across No 10 Downing Street. The invitation was also sent to special advisers in the Chancellor’s office and a member of staff in the No 10 Covid-19 Coordination unit. Martin Reynolds also sent a separate email invitation to other senior officials.

Some of those who received the original invitation, as well those to whom it was forwarded, accepted the scheduler itself or otherwise emailed to indicate that they would be there.

A No 10 special adviser also forwarded the email at 13.56 onto a No 10 official involved with the Covid Press conference which was taking place that day, saying:'' ’In case you & others in the office today want to join after the presser. (I will flag separately to Martin that this will be around the time speakers and cameras are leaving after the press conference and to be mindful of that)’. The No 10 official to whom the email was sent replied to say ’Thank you will share with the team here’ and subsequently forwarded the invitation to other members of the No 10 Events & Visits team stating ’FYI and if of interest, [No 10 special adviser] will flag with Martin that the presser will be concluding around this time’.''

Following the email, the same No 10 special adviser sent a message to Martin Reynolds by WhatsApp at 14.08 stating'' ’Drinks this eve is a lovely idea so I’ve shared with the E & V team who are in the office. Just to flag that the press conference will probably be finishing around that time, so helpful if people can be mindful of that as speakers and cameras are leaving, not walking around waving bottles of wine etc’. Martin Reynolds replied ’Will do my best!….’ ''

A No 10 Director declined the invitation and told the investigation that they had raised with either Martin Reynolds or his office that it was not a good idea. 11