By Patrick Cremona

Published: Wednesday, 08 December 2021 at 12:00 am


BBC Breakfast and Good Morning Britain have both moved to highlight the absence of government ministers on their shows this morning – after no ministers were made available for interview.

Since the start of the pandemic, it has been customary for a minister to speak to the media every morning but despite invitations – and a previously booked appearance with Health Secretary Savid Javid – that was not the case today.

The absence comes after a leaked video appeared to show some of the Prime Minister’s staff joking about a Downing Street Christmas party held last year, seeming to contradict the government’s claims that no such party happened.

A Downing Street spokesperson has maintained that no party took place, saying in a statement: “There was no Christmas party. COVID rules have been followed at all times.”

BBC Breakfast presenter Jon Kay told viewers: “Usually at this time here on Breakfast we would be able to put your questions to a government minister as part of a slot we’ve had on the programme at 7.30am pretty much every morning since the start of the pandemic.”

There was no Government minister available to speak to #BBCBreakfast at 0730 this morning.

It follows a video emerging showing senior No 10 staff joking about holding a Christmas party at Downing Street last year.https://t.co/1Fhk30RY3d pic.twitter.com/3GVIl2Q8mH

— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) December 8, 2021