BBC Breakfast and Good Morning Britain have both moved to highlight the absence of government ministers on their shows this morning \u2013 after no ministers were made available for interview.<\/p>\n

Since the start of the pandemic, it has been customary for a minister to speak to the media every morning but despite invitations \u2013 and a previously booked appearance with Health Secretary Savid Javid \u2013 that was not the case today.<\/p>\n

The absence comes after a leaked video appeared to show some of the Prime Minister\u2019s staff joking about a Downing Street Christmas party held last year, seeming to contradict the government\u2019s claims that no such party happened.<\/p>\n

A Downing Street spokesperson has maintained that no party took place, saying in a statement: \u201cThere was no Christmas party. COVID rules have been followed at all times.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

BBC Breakfast presenter Jon Kay told viewers: \u201cUsually at this time here on Breakfast we would be able to put your questions to a government minister as part of a slot we\u2019ve had on the programme at 7.30am pretty much every morning since the start of the pandemic.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was no Government minister available to speak to #BBCBreakfast<\/a> 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<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/3GVIl2Q8mH<\/a><\/p>\u2014 BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) December 8, 2021<\/a><\/blockquote>