Labour tonight demanded Boris Johnson investigate a claim that a mock award on gender equality was dished out at No10’s lockdown Christmas party.
Deputy leader Angela Rayner wrote to the Prime Minister after an insider told the Sunday Times a staffer was singled out ironically for a "sexist of the year award", during a satirical ceremony on 18 December 2020.
The newspaper printed the claim today but it has since been removed from its website. It is understood the nature of what happened - including the name of the tongue-in-cheek 'award' - is disputed.
While the Mirror understands there was a mock award, it is thought it was used to encourage more female representation in TV interviews.
The December 2020 bash is one of 12 being investigated by the Met Police in Downing Street and Whitehall.
Ms Rayner today demanded No10 answer a string of questions about the event. These include whether an award presentation took place, who presented it, who was given it, and whether the PM approved.
“Please could you also confirm whether other awards were presented during the course of this gathering, and if so, whether those award categories related to any other protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010?” she wrote.
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