Partygate claimed many victims in Westminster, not least Boris Johnson’s premiership. But one consequence of the relentless focus on the shenanigans of 2021 meant that 2022 proved to be a far less festive occasion than some in the great ministries of state had hoped. Officials have grumbled to Mr S that there was a certain reluctance on the part of some departments to help organise shindigs in the most recent Christmas season.
A raft of Freedom of Information requests to seven Whitehall departments has found, surprise, surprise, that no records exist of any office or departmental parties being held at their central London premises in November and December.
‘There is clear guidance outlining that public money must not be used to fund occasions such as social gatherings, retirement or office parties,’ sniffed the Cabinet Office. ‘Any time taken for social gatherings would be on the employee’s own private time,’ replied the Ministry of Justice.
‘Where staff attend Christmas parties they do so at their own expense and are arranged by individuals in a private capacity and not the department,’ said the Ministry of Defence. The Treasury told Steerpike that expenses on such fripperies were not allowed, while the grim-faced types at the Northern Ireland Office confirmed that ‘there were no office or departmental Christmas parties.’ Even the so-called ‘ministry of fun’, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, said it ‘does not hold a list of any parties and has not funded Christmas parties during the requested timeframe.’
Still, at least there’s one minister committed to keeping up the sense of fun in Whitehall. It appears that Michelle Donelan, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, has been doing her own bit for innovation. She has somehow become the face of a Moonpig apology card which can be purchased online for the princely sum of £3.89, to the amusement of some in parliament.
Just in case you forget the flowers this Valentine’s Day…
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