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  27 November 2020; a gathering in No 10 Downing Street on the departure of a special adviser 

Extract from regulations and guidance

''On 5 November 2020, a second national lockdown was introduced which required people to stay at home and prohibited indoor gatherings of two or more people from other households except for permitted exceptions, including where the "gathering is reasonably necessary … for work purposes". Social distancing remained the rule at work, with guidance on working safely in offices saying you must maintain social distancing in the workplace wherever possible. Offices were advised to "maintain social distancing guidelines (2m, or 1m with risk mitigation where 2m is not viable), wherever possible, including while arriving at and departing from work, while in work, and when travelling between sites".''

Summary

On 27 November 2020 a number of people gathered in the No 10 Press Office area to say goodbye to a special adviser, who was leaving government. Officials, including senior officials, and special advisers were present. The Prime Minister attended and gave a short leaving speech.

The event

On 27 November 2020, a No 10 special advisor left government having said goodbye to a number of people at their desks during that day and decided to visit the No 10 Press Office to say goodbye to the staff who worked there. This took place at approximately 18.00 on a Friday evening.

It appears to have been an impromptu gathering. An exchange of messages took place between the No 10 special adviser and a No 10 official. At 17.46 the No 10 official asked "Were [sic] will you be in 20 minutes?" At 17.58 the special adviser replied'' "Press Room!" and, at 18:00 sent a further message to the No 10 official saying, ’Will you let PS folks know?’. The No 10 official replied at 18.06 stating ’Yes’. At 18.19 the No 10 official sent a further message saying ’We are coming now’.''

There were approximately 15 to 20 people in attendance, some of whom were drinking alcohol. As well as some people from the Press Office, a number of senior officials, private office staff and special advisers attended the event.

The Prime Minister finished a meeting at 18.19 and then attended the Press Office to say goodbye. He remained for a short time, saying a few words of thanks and 19