BREAKING: Michael Gove admits new Partygate video of Tories breaking Covid rules is 'terrible'

The Chief Cabinet Minister called the footage 'completely out of order' - but refused to question whether the Metropolitan Police should launch a new investigation

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Exclusive: Tory officials scoff at breaking lockdown rules

Michael Gove has issued an apology for a 'terrible' Partygate video revealed by The Mirror showing Tories at a Christmas party breaking the rules.

The Chief Cabinet Minister said the footage was 'completely out of order' - but declined to be asked whether the Metropolitan Police should launch a new investigation.

The never-before-seen video shows staff drinking, dancing and mocking lockdown laws at the height of Covid at the Conservative campaign headquarters.

A participant can be heard saying, "Until we air this, we're breaking the rules," before laughing as a man and woman hold hands and dance.

Mr. Gove told Sky's Sophy Ridge on Sunday: "I want to apologize to anyone who sees this...thinks these people are flouting the rules designed to protect us all."

CCHQ says 'formal disciplinary action' has been taken against four staff members, who were seconded to Shaun Bailey's London mayoral campaign, over the 'unauthorised' event.

But Mr Gove added that the footage may not have been available to those investigating at the time.

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