Phillip Schofield accuses Government of taking people for ‘mugs’ amid reports of Downing Street party

This Morning host Phillip Schofield accused the government of taking people “for a bunch of mugs” as the row over the alleged lockdown breaking party at No 10 deepened.

He spoke out after footage of the Prime Minister’s then press secretary Allegra Stratton and adviser Ed Oldfield, along with other aides, joking about a “fictional” party in December 2020 in a video from a mock press conference which was obtained by ITV News.

Discussing the leaked footage, Schofield said: “The Government’s own guidance made clear people must not have a work Christmas lunch or party, where there is primarily social activity.

“You look at this and think are you seriously taking us for a bunch of mugs?”

His co-host Holly Willoughby said the government’s response to the scandal had been “tone-deaf”.

The comments come a day after he asked former health secretary Matt Hancock if he broke social distancing rules because of his dyslexia.

Mr Hancock, who is calling for all children to be screened for dyslexia before they leave primary school, resigned as health secretary five months ago after leaked CCTV footage showed him kissing an aide in breach of social distancing rules he helped establish.

Watch: Phillip Schofield calls out Matt Hancock on affair scandal

The government has increasingly come under fire from mainstream broadcasters - most notably I’m A Celebrity co-hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly who have mocked the Prime Minister throughout the latest series of the ITV show.

Their latest attack came during Tuesday’s episode when they referenced the alleged Christmas party held at Downing Street during the 2020 lockdown.

Their antics were noted at Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.

During Tuesday’s episode, the I’m A Celeb hosts referenced the Downing Street Christmas party allegations.

They said the show’s contestants “categorically deny” any suggestion they had a bash in the Welsh castle.

While introducing the next segment, Donnelly said: “It is all changing in camp now because yesterday the celebs chose a new leader via the gift of a secret vote.”

McPartlin continued: “That means David’s reign is over. But they weren’t celebrating. They categorically deny any suggestions that they had a party.

“And this fictional party definitely didn’t involve cheese and wine, or a secret Santa.”

Once again, Donnelly looked directly into the camera and added: “Evening Prime Minister… For now.”

Watch: They look like they are laughing at us': Newsreader tears into video of Downing Street staff laughing over Xmas party

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