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Boris Johnson says he thought it was 'right and proper' to thank staff with events

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he felt it was essential to thank and motivate Downing Street staff with events throughout the Covid pandemic.

He was being questioned by SNP MP Allan Dorans over whether he thinks bottles of alcohol are "strictly necessary for a work event".

Johnson responds by saying: "It's customary to say farewell to people in this country with a toast".

22 March 2023

House of Commons

Coronavirus lockdown measures

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Sir Keir Starmer at PMQs in the Commons.

Watch: PM and Badenoch react to Trump's victory at PMQs

Baron Mackinlay of Richborough in formal robes shaking hands in the House of Lords.

'Bionic lord' takes up seat in Parliament

Boris Johnson wearing a suit and headphones speaking into a mic in a BBC radio studio

Watch: Fiery exchange as Boris Johnson asked if he is a 'liar'

Keir Starmer an PMQs

PMQs heats up as leaders clash over winter fuel payments

Steve Witherden MP

New MP speaks about mother's death days after election

Prime Minister Keir Starmer

Keir Starmer's first PMQs as prime minister... in 90 seconds

Sir Keir Starmer

Starmer calls Sunak 'prime minister' in Commons slip-up

King Chalres

Labour's first King's Speech: What happened in 60 seconds

Clive Lewis

Labour MP makes second attempt to swear in for new Parliament

Men wearing ceremonial hats in Lords

New Parliament, old traditions... watch the opening day in 55 seconds

Sunak

Watch: Sunak apologises to former Tory MPs for election losses

BBC News

Starmer speaks in Parliament for first time as PM

Lindsay Hoyle dragged by both arms

Watch: Moment Speaker dragged to Commons chair

Marjorie Taylor Green and Anthony Fauci

'You're mister, not doctor': Fauci grilled by Taylor Greene

Dr Roland Salmon

Expert criticises supermarket and pub Covid rules

Deputy PM Oliver Dowden

Lee Anderson would have kept job had he apologised - Dowden

Current and past Commons Speakers

Watch: Moments of drama from Commons Speakers

Dog wearing a Wales rugby scare with his snout held high as he howls

Watch dog's barking rendition of the Welsh anthem

Liz Lloyd and Nicola Sturgeon

Sturgeon called Johnson a 'clown' in expletive-laden text

Peter Saull

What’s next after Sunak wins Rwanda vote?

Correspondent Ben Chu

Quick take on Labour's energy plan

BBC Verify's Ben Chu on what to make of Labour’s plans to decarbonise UK electricity production.

Chris Mason and Mark Logan

Watch: Former Tory MP says he is backing Labour

The former Conservative MP for Bolton North East has told the BBC he now supports Labour.

Factory workers in Milton Keynes

Watch: Party leaders on the campaign trail

Political party leaders have been out and about campaigning ahead of the general election.

Keir Starmer

I want the highest quality candidates - Starmer

The Labour leader says he wants the "highest quality" candidates to put to the voters.

Carla Denyer

Greens launch campaign target of 'at least four' MPs

The Green Party of England and Wales launch their election campaign in Bristol.

Faiza Shaheen talking on BBC Newsnight

Labour candidate says she's been blocked from standing

Faiza Shaheen says she's was told she will not be Labour's candidate after allegedly liking antisemitic posts on X.

Rishi Sunak

Rishi Sunak tells Chris Mason: Yes, I am changing minds

The PM tells the BBC's political editor he is "thoroughly enjoying" himself out meeting voters in the election campaign.

Sir Keir Starmer wearing a suit and a brown tie

Not true Abbott barred from standing - Starmer

The Labour leader says no decision has been taken to bar Diane Abbott.

Keir Starmer

Starmer pleased Rayner has been 'vindicated'

Labour's leader says he always had confidence in his deputy with the row over her council house sale.

Ed Davey falls from a paddle board

Going, going, gone: Ed Davey takes a dip in Windermere

The Liberal Democrats leader was paddle boarding on Lake Windermere in the Lake District.

Rishi Sunak

Watch: PM criticises Sir Keir Starmer's campaign speeches

The prime minister accused Labour's Sir Keir Starmer of "not having the courage" to tell voters about Labour ideas.

Nigel Farage

Labour and Tories are both 'social democrats', says Farage

Nigel Farage was speaking in Dover, as part of his campaign for Reform UK.

Sir Keir Starmer

Starmer asked if there's a 'lack of enthusiasm' for Labour

Labour leader Keir Starmer is pressed on whether there's a perceived lack of enthusiasm for his party.

Rachel Reeves

Reeves: No return to austerity under Labour

The shadow chancellor is quizzed on her economic plans should Labour win the general election.

Rishi Sunak

Sunak 'disappointed' smoking ban bill did not get through

The PM says he "stepped up to do something that is bold" over his bid to phase out smoking.

Craig Mackinlay MP

Watch: Limb loss MP on his return to Parliament

Craig Mackinlay says he was met by "a storm" of noise when he returned to the House of Commons

Rishi Sunak

Oops! Sunak asks if Welsh are looking forward to Euros

On a campaign trip, the PM asks voters if they will watch the football tournament, even though Wales did not qualify.

Richard Tice

Tories 'terrified' of Reform Party - Richard Tice

The Reform Party leader says Rishi Sunak "bottled it" over calling a surprise general election for July.

Sir Keir Starmer

A vote for Labour is a vote to stop the chaos - Starmer

On the first full day of election campaigning the Labour leader says "nothing will change" if the Conservatives get back into power on July 5.

Henry Zeffman

How MPs turned to BBC for clarity on election gossip

The BBC's Henry Zeffman describes how Westminster gossip caused mass confusion among staff.