Boris Johnson was forced out of No 10 after former aides briefed journalists about lockdown parties, book claims
Boris Johnson was forced out of office after former aides briefed journalists on Downing St pandemic parties, according to a new book.
Dominic Cummings, his former chief adviser, was said to have been at the centre of moves to oust the then PM when he was sacked after clashing with Carrie Johnson.
'The phone call that did most to unseat Johnson was made to Cummings in October 2021,' political journalist Tim Shipman's book Out reveals.
'A Vote Leave ally got in touch to say: 'A lovely golden nugget is falling into our laps.'
The book revealed that the 'friend' - who is not named - told him that ITV had obtained footage of a mock press conference which would cause embarrassment.
In the video, the prime minister's then press secretary Allegra Stratton, joked about Downing St parties and suggested that she did not know whether or not they had happened.
The book reveals that behind the scenes, a 'friend of Cummings' suggested they show the Daily Mirror the footage so they could report on it.
ITV then had cover to broadcast it.
Boris Johnson was forced out of office after former aides briefed journalists on Downing St pandemic parties, according to a new book - Johnson pictured at the Remembrance service on November 10
Dominic Cummings , Boris Johnson's former chief adviser, was said to have been at the centre of moves to oust the then PM
Mr Johnson and Mr Cummings were said to come to blows over Boris's wife, then Carrie Symonds
When it emerged, the video caused fury and embarrassment for No10 and prompted Ms Stratton's resignation.
Mr Cummings is reported to have said: 'We could trap the f***er into lying about it? He'll just tell everyone to just deny it all.'
Following the stories, Downing St issued statements saying that there was 'no Christmas party. Covid rules have been followed at all times'.
Mr Cummings is said to have reacted by saying: 'When the truth drips out, it's going to break him.'
It later emerged that parties had taken place during lockdown and the constant stream of stories destabilised Mr Johnson's position.
He later left office after a series of Cabinet and ministerial resignations over his handling of the Chris Pincher affair.
The book also reveals the details of Mr Cummings's row with Mr Johnson that led to the aide's departure amid reports of infighting.
Allegra Stratton (pictured) in a leaked video whereby she joked about Christmas parties at No10
Lee Cain, the director of communications - who had been by Mr Johnson's side since his days on the Vote Leave campaign with Mr Cummings - had quit a day earlier.
'Cummings believed that Johnson's then girlfriend Carrie and her allies were briefing against him and his team,' Mr Shipman wrote.
'He told Johnson: 'You'd better get a grip on that, or things are going to blow up out of your control. When we leave, your girlfriend is going to say a bunch of **** and I'm going to hold you personally responsible for what she says. You know what that means for you, don't you?'
'Are you threatening me?' Johnson asked.
'Yes, I'm f***ing threatening you.'
The former PM's allies confirmed the conversation took place, but said the threat was made to Mrs Johnson.
Former Cabinet minister Nadine Dorries, a close ally of Mr Johnson, told the Mail on Sunday: 'This is Cummings' version of events.
'Boris never knowingly lied to Parliament or to anyone else.
'He was a prime minister doing his job, depending on those who were running Downing Street and the Cabinet Office - people like Sue Gray and others - to keep him informed of what had taken place.'
