Last night former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hosted a farewell party in the swanky rooftop bar and terrace of 12th Knot in Southbank, advertised as a “rooftop playground with iconic views.” SpAds, civil servants and even bottom rung officials attended the gathering – with one quipping “civil servants never miss the chance for a free drink”. Cocktails on offer at the rooftop include the £22 “Golden Hour”…
Sunak, who has been keenly briefing his intention to stay in the UK for the long term, gave a subdued speech thanking everyone for their “hard work” over the past year. Attendees said that was pretty much it. All No 10 staff got the invite including senior civil servants, junior officials, and service staff. A kind gesture from the former PM, just don’t sneak out onto the terrace for a quick smoke…
UPDATE: Guido hears even policy unit civil servants were in attendance at the farewell gig. A Labour source quips: “I wonder if, in return, they’ll invite Rishi to theirs.”
Badenoch said at her speech on Monday morning: “We are absolutely ready to fight a general election. We saw the results in Aberdeen South: 50% of the vote. Because we can unite the country… It’s about uniting the country, for God’s sake, behind a centre-right agenda.”