Brecon and Radnorshire’s MP Fay Jones has declined to answer questions from the Welsh Liberal Democrats leader Jane Dodds around an alleged Christmas party at Number 10 Downing Street last year.

MS for Mid and West Wales asked for clarification from both of the Conservative Powys MPs after ITV News leaked a damning video of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s staff joking about a party which allegedly took place when the rest of the country was in lockdown last December.

The video, which was exclusively obtained by ITV, shows senior Downing Street staff joking about holding a Christmas party only four days after the event, which appears to have breached lockdown rules, is said to have taken place around a year ago.

The scandalous video shows Allegra Stratton, then spokeswoman for Mr Johnson, remarking that it was a “business meeting” and that there was “definitely no social distancing” while other staff cheerfully talk about “cheese and wine”.

Ms Stratton has resigned from her position since ITV revealed the controversial footage last Tuesday, December 7, which was filmed at a rehearsal of Downing Street’s proposed daily TV media briefings last year.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have called on the Brecon and Radnorshire MP to “show backbone and courage” over the scandal that has emerged over the alleged parties held in Downing Street and other Government departments last December.

MS Jane Dodds has asked Ms Jones to be “frank and honest” with constituents and the state publicly whether she thinks a party took place and, if she thinks it did, to “do the right thing” in submitting a motion of no confidence in Mr Johnson to the 1922 Committee.

Ms Dodds said: “The scandal we’ve seen over the last few days is outrageous. We are now not only talking about one party but reports of multiple others as well.

“After all of the sacrifices people in Powys have had to make throughout the pandemic, to laugh at them and take them for fools. It’s despicable.

“People across Wales experienced the most horrible Christmas last year, many isolated and alone, whilst some lost family members and weren’t even able to properly comfort them in their last hours.

“Both Fay Jones and Craig Williams now need to show integrity and courage and ask themselves if they want to be linked to this incompetent and disrespectful Prime Minister.

“I am immediately asking both MPs to publicly clarify the following things: Were they involved in any Christmas Parties last year, whilst the rest of the country was in lockdown? Do they think a party was held in Downing Street on December 18? If a Party was held on December 18, will you do the right thing and submit a motion of no confidence in Boris Johnson to the 1922 Committee.

“If our MPs have any integrity they should seriously be asking whether or not Johnson and those that surround him are fit to lead the country, especially after they have damaged public trust in the Government to such an extent.”

Further to Ms Dodds questions, The Brecon & Radnor Express also asked Ms Jones whether she had attended the alleged party.

However Ms Jones declined to comment on the alleged gathering.

While the fallout from the alleged Christmas party continues to grow, various figures at Number 10, including the Prime Minister have denied any wrong doing on December 18, 2020, when the party allegedly took place with between 40 and 50 in attendance.

At the time London was under Tier 3 restrictions meaning social gatherings, including parties, were banned. Two people were allowed to meet in doors, but the UK Government’s guidance made it clear that people in England “must not have a work Christmas lunch or party, where that is a primarily social activity”.

While Mr Johnson has apologised for the footage and “any offence caused”, he continues to deny any responsibility or breaches of the Covid-19 rules at the time.

In response to the video, Downing Street told ITV News: “There was no Christmas party. Covid rules have been followed at all times.”