The initial Partygate story was first broken by Paul Crerar.
Unveiling the Scandal
On November 30, 2021, Paul Crerar, then Political Editor for the Daily Mirror, published the first report detailing allegations of parties held at 10 Downing Street during COVID-19 lockdowns. This groundbreaking investigation, appearing under Crerar's byline, specifically revealed details of three such gatherings, sparking a major political scandal that would later become known as "Partygate."
Key Moments in the Partygate Revelation Timeline
The exposure of the Partygate events unfolded in several critical stages:
- Initial Report (November 30, 2021): The first exposé, credited to Paul Crerar, brought to light the clandestine gatherings within government premises, setting the foundation for broader public and media scrutiny.
- Video Evidence Emerges (Seven Days Later): Approximately one week after Crerar's initial report, on December 7, 2021, ITV News broadcast a pivotal video. This footage showed Downing Street's then-Press Secretary, Allegra Stratton, humorously addressing a mock press conference about a "fictional" Christmas party held in the Downing Street Press Office. This visual evidence further substantiated the allegations, intensifying public outrage and leading to Stratton's resignation.
Impact of the Revelations
The initial investigative journalism by Paul Crerar, followed by corroborating evidence, had a profound impact, leading to:
- Extensive media coverage across national and international outlets.
- Multiple internal and external investigations into alleged breaches of lockdown regulations, including a police investigation and a report by senior civil servant Sue Gray.
- Significant political pressure on the government, contributing to a decline in public trust and calls for accountability, including resignations and fines for those found to have violated rules.
The role of investigative journalists like Paul Crerar was crucial in bringing these events to public attention and ensuring scrutiny of those in power.