A CONSERVATIVE MP says he is “frustrated” at the lack of action amid accusations that a Christmas party was held at Downing Street last year.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has received a backlash after leaked footage emerged showing government officials joking about a festive gathering during a time of strict Covid-19 restrictions.

In the footage, obtained by ITV News, the alleged party is referred to as a "business meeting" and a "cheese and wine" event by Mr Johnson’s then-press secretary Allegra Stratton and adviser Ed Oldfield.

Huw Merriman, MP for Bexhill and Battle, claims to have suggested to government managers to provide more detail about the event, even before the video was leaked.

The Conservative MP also denied attending the alleged party, or any other festive events

“I’m as frustrated as you are because I have been given no details as to what this event was,” he said.

“I have therefore suggested to government managers, and before this video circulated, that they give me more detail as to what this event was, and what it was not. This way, I can give you more information.

“I struggle to see how any event which is attended by the numbers suggested can be within the rules but, as mentioned above, I need to be given more information so I can better assess it myself.”

Around 40 to 50 people allegedly attended the gathering in a room at Number 10 on December 18 last year.

Just two days earlier, London had been put into Tier 3 of Covid restrictions, which prevented mixing indoors with people not in your household.

The Argus: Huw Merriman, Conservative MP for Bexhill and Battle Huw Merriman, Conservative MP for Bexhill and Battle

Mr Merriman added he is “sorry this matter has come up”.

“What I will say about the Prime Minister is that he is not a fan of leaving those who work for him to be hung out to dry,” he said.

“Whilst this is an admirable quality, the need for transparency is greater and I very much hope to be able to respond more adequately when I have more information myself.

“It’s important that we lead from the front and set the right example. We cannot expect people to abide by the rules if those who set them are suspected of breaching.

“I expect No10 to explain what happened and, if the rules were broken, to apologise and take action.”

Mr Johnson has insisted that Covid rules were followed, although on Tuesday avoided questions about whether or not a party had taken place.

The Metropolitan Police said they are aware of the footage in relation to alleged breaches of coronavirus restrictions.

In the footage, Ms Stratton says: "This fictional party was a business meeting... and it was not socially distanced."

One aide was also heard saying: "It wasn't a party, it was cheese and wine."