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Allegra Stratton has resigned as the UK government's spokesperson for the COP26 climate summit resigned in the wake of stinging criticism over a video of Downing Street staff joking and laughing about a Christmas party last year.
The footage, obtained by ITV News, is reported to be of a rehearsal for a TV media briefing from December 22, four days after an alleged Christmas party took place in Number 10.
At the time, London had been placed under Tier 3 restrictions prohibiting mixing indoors between households.
Senior Number 10 aides are heard jokingly referring to a "business meeting" and a "cheese and wine" event. At the time the video was shot, Stratton was UK prime minister Boris Johnson's press secretary.
Stratton on Wednesday issued a tearful statement outside her house saying she had taken the decision as the video has become a distraction.
"The British people have made immense sacrifices in the battle against COVID-19. I now fear that my comments have become a distraction from that fight," Stratton said.
"My remarks seemed to make light of the rules, rules that people were doing everything to obey. That was never my intention."
"I will regret those remarks for the rest of my days and offer my profound apologies to all of you for them."
Earlier on Wednesday, Johnson apologized "unreservedly" for the incident and the impression that it gave.
Johnson, who was facing Members of Parliament for the first time since the footage emerged, said he was furious and had requested Cabinet Secretary Simon Case to investigate.
"I understand and share the anger up and down the country at seeing No 10 staff seeming to make light of lockdown measures," Johnson said at the start of Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs).
"I can understand how infuriating it must be to think that people who have been setting the rules have not been following the rules because I was also furious to see that clip."
Johnson added that Case would report back "as soon as possible" on whether there was any party and if rules were broken, and there would be disciplinary action for all those involved.
Source:CGTN
