We are leaving the COVID Taskforce:(
*given higher COVID restrictions please do not travel into London for this if you ouldn t other ise have been in the office*.
We'd love it if you could join us for a farewell, COVID secure, drink
Kate Josephs and [No 10 official]"
The event
The event began between 19.00 and 20.00 on 17 December 2020, with more than 20 staff attending, including James Bowler, Simon Ridley, one of the other Director Generals of the Covid 19 Taskforce, and Kate Josephs. James Bowler gave a leaving speech to thank both Kate Josephs and the No 10 official and returned to his office to work shortly afterwards, before leaving the building at around 20.45.
The intention was to follow the social distancing guidance by observing a one way system, social distancing and other precautionary measures. This did not happen as those in the room gathered in small groups, and there was also mingling between groups. There was food and drink available, including crisps, beer and prosecco that had been purchased by individuals attending. Background music was played through a smartphone. Some people left after the speeches.
The event began to wind down between 22.00 and 22.30. After 22.30 a smaller group of 6-8 staff were left in the room. At least one member of staff went into No 10 to attend a separate event that evening (the leaving event for No 10 Officials (1) and (2) addressed above), before later returning to this event in the Cabinet Office. At 22.44, an individual ordered six pizzas for the group.
The event ended at between 23.00 to 23.30, with most of those remaining, including Simon Ridley, leaving at this point. Some others, including Kate Josephs, left later at around 00.23 after tidying up.
A small number of individuals stayed beyond that. They joined with other members of staff from elsewhere in the Cabinet Office and headed through the link door to No 10, apparently with the intention of joining the separate leaving event taking place for No 10 officials (1) and (2). No 10 exit/entry logs show that, between 00.43 and 00.49, six members of staff entered No 10 through the link door.
