Sacha Lord has submitted a Freedom of Information request to the Government, demanding to know if the taxpayer coughed up for food and alcohol at their rumoured Christmas party.
The nighttime economy adviser for Greater Manchester, and Parklife and Warehouse Project boss, says the alleged festivities are ‘insulting’ to the nation, who were in lockdown at the time.
Downing Street has been accused of hosting parties during the national lockdowns at the end of 2020, after a damning report in the Mirror.
The Prime Minister himself as well as up to 50 colleagues allegedly broke lockdown rules with a leaving do in November and a Christmas do in December.
Sacha Lord / Credit: Darren Robinson Photography
Lord has said today that he is “fuming” at the situation and that he’s “not going to let this one go”.
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Speaking on Talk Radio today, Lord said: “I am so angry about this. I’m fuming.
“To me this is worse than the Bernard Castle, it’s worse than the G7 back-slapping, it’s worse than Matt Hancock’s affair.
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“We know that Christmas week, we could not see our friends, family and loved ones.
“My industry was shut down. I understand the reasons for that and it was probably the right thing to do.
Lord has said today that he is “fuming” at the situation and that he’s “not going to let this one go” / Credit: Unsplash
“But at the same time there was a Christmas party in 10 Downing Street, with 40-plus people where they were drinking, they were playing games, they were eating, they were having fun.
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“How insulting is that?”
“I want to know who attended that party and I also want to know who paid for the alcohol and for the food? Was that taxpayers, was that our money whilst we were in complete lockdown?
“So many times we’ve let things drift but I’m not going to let this one go.”
The Government now has 20 days to respond to the FOI request, which has asked for details of the events and money spent on alcohol.
Boris Johnson / Credit: UK Parliament
Gary Neville also launched a scathing attack on the Conservative party yesterday.
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He tweeted: “Are we really going to let this Number 10 party go? No chance!
“Last Xmas was a misery. Listening to him standing up there telling us what we couldn’t do. Families not seeing each other , loved ones dying alone.
“Whilst him and his cronies party in a tax payer funded residence !”
Gary Neville, writing to Bolton North East’s MP Mark Logan, said: “I am writing to you to ask for an explanation as to why the residents of Bolton had to lockdown last Christmas whilst the Prime Minister was partying with his colleagues and friends.”
The letter, posted on Twitter, continues: “We need MPs to stand up and show the courage to do the right thing and speak out against wrongdoing and admitting when it has taken place?
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“Unfortunately, this follows a pattern (such as Dominic Cummings and Barnard Castle). Hancock, Johnson and no doubt many others are living by different rules.
“I think the constituents of Bolton would appreciate it if you asked the PM for the list of attendees and/or asked a similar question at PMQs. Trust and accountability matters.
“A response would be very welcome.”
Featured image: Wikimedia Commons / Darren Robinson Photography
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A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford, as police hunt ‘answers’
Daisy Jackson
Floral tributes have begun to pile up outside the Salford park where the remains of a baby were found earlier this week.
The child, who is being called Baby A, was discovered near Ashtons Field on Wednesday 20 November.
Their identity is not yet known, and police are trying to determine ‘who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died’.
In an update shared last night, GMP said their investigation was continuing and the force will do ‘everything we can to get answers’.
They also shared images of cuddly toys, flowers and letters that have been left at the snowy scene by officers and by the local community.
In the latest update, GMP said: “Our investigation continues after the remains of a young baby were tragically found in Little Hulton yesterday.
“The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Police are with Baby A, and we will do everything we can to get answers.
“We would like to thank the community for their tributes to Baby A and their support and compassion at this time. We are truly grateful.”
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford. Credit: GMP
GMP are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward so they can ‘find answers for this baby’.
Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood said: “Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation. If you have seen anyone in the area over the last few days, or know who the parents could be, please call us as soon as you can.
“As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Daisy Jackson -
7th December 2021 
