Boris Johnson’s advisor resigns after she was seen laughing in ‘Downing Street Christmas party’ video

Allegra Stratton has resigned as an adviser to Boris Johnson after footage emerged of her joking about a Downing Street Christmas party last year.

In a tearful statement this afternoon, the Prime Minister’s former spokesperson offered her ‘profound apologies’ to the British public, noting that she had ‘become a distraction in the fight against the Covid pandemic‘.

Fighting back tears, she 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 I offer my profound apologies to all of you at home for them.”

She didn’t confirm whether there had indeed been a party or not – something Boris Johnson continues to deny – and instead added: “I understand the anger and frustration that people feel.

“To all of you who lost loved ones, who endured intolerable loneliness, and who struggled with your businesses, I am truly sorry.

“And this afternoon I am offering my resignation to the Prime Minister.”

The video, obtained by ITV News and shot on December 22nd 2020, showed the moment Allegra was quizzed about a rumoured Christmas party, to which she laughed and referenced a ‘business meeting’ with no social distancing.

Laughing and gesturing to the camera, Stratton says: “This is recorded … This fictional party was a business meeting and it was not socially distanced.”

Prime ministerial adviser Ed Oldfield could also be seen sitting in the audience, laughing and pointing out that it ‘wasn’t a party… It was cheese and wine.’

Since the footage went viral, people across the nation have been reacting in horror, particularly those from Greater Manchester, who were living under strict Tier 3 restrictions at the time.