What this thread demonstrates is the general public on all parts of the spectrum fail to understand how top civil servants and politicians work day to day. Having working meetings where food and drink is available wouldn't be unusual. Similarly when a party leader meets local party members I'd suggest having food and drink is normal cause of business. This would explain why both Starmer and Johnson believed they weren't guilty of any wrongdoing.

Of course, the court of public opinion argues differently, and it really does depend where you fall on the spectrum on how you determine guilt or otherwise.

Looking objectively either both are guilty are neither are. What is rather telling is this is the main domestic political issue being discussed today and not the government's latest community development Bill, or the oppositions response.

Politics is a murky world where style is clearly more relevant than substance, both to politicians, and their acolytes.