The security minister confirmed he is “entirely behind” the Government despite damaging new revelations about what took place at No 10 during lockdown.
“I think the leadership the Prime Minister has shown particularly through the coronavirus has been very strong,” Damien Hinds told Sky. “We’ve had the strongest vaccination programme in Europe, the most tested nation in Europe.”
Asked whether rules were broken at Downing Street in light of James Slack’s apology (see 8.01am), Mr Hinds told BBC Breakfast: “Yes, on the face of it, if you have a large number of people, coming to, being invited to a social event and socialising taking place.”
However, he added he did not know any more about the events than what has been reported overnight and the statement made by Mr Slack.
The security minister denied there was a “culture of rule-breaking” at No 10, but added: “Obviously if you’re a rule-maker, you can’t be a rule-breaker.”
