Michael Gove apologises for ‘terrible’ CCHQ footage, saying it’s ‘completely out of order’

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove has apologised after a video emerged showing Conservative Party staff partying during lockdown.

In the video, filmed in December 2020 and published by the Mirror, one person is heard saying it is okay to film “as long as we don’t stream that we’re, like, bending the rules”.

Mr Gove told Sky News the video was “terrible” and “completely out of order”, and apologised that it took place.

He added that his understanding was that the gathering was organised Shaun Bailey’s mayoral campaign, and “they had obviously behaved in a way which is unacceptable.”

The party had previously been investigated by police, he added, but he was unsure if the new video had been available to the force at the time.

“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,” he added.

He declined to say if the police should investigate the new video and added that the police should make their own decisions without politicians intervening.

At the time the video was filmed, people were banned from socialising indoors, except with members of their household or a support bubble.

Tory aide Ben Mallett, who is visible in the clip, was awarded an OBE, while former London Mayor hopeful Shaun Bailey was given a peerage. Mr Bailey is not seen in the footage but has previously apologised for the event.

At least 24 people were reportedly at the party, said to have taken place at Conservative Campaign Headquarters (CCHQ) on December 14 2020.

CCHQ has said “formal disciplinary action” was taken against four staff members over the “unauthorised” event.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said on Sunday morning that the video was “disgusting” and criticised Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for not withdrawing Boris Johnson’s honours list.

“It’s shameful and is going to anger people right across the country,” he told Sky News.

“It just feels like the Conservative Party wants us to relive that trauma day after day, week after week. And frankly, I think people are getting disgusted by it.”

He added that Mr Sunak should “withdraw the Honours List and these people should apologise”.

Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner also criticised the footage on Saturday evening, claiming it shows Tories “openly mocked the rules the British people followed”.

“Revellers at this lockdown Tory booze-up openly mocked the rules the British people followed. The Tories think it’s one rule for them and one rule for everyone else,” Ms Rayner said.

“Instead of forcing them to face the consequences, Rishi Sunak has caved into Boris Johnson’s demands and chosen to reward them with honours. It’s a sickening insult.

“This Prime Minister is failing to deliver the integrity he promised and showing he’s too weak to turn the page on 13 years of Tory scandal.”