Kay’s 60th birthday party broke Tier 2 regulations
Sky News legend Kay Burley was pulled from the broadcaster’s historic coverage of the coronavirus vaccine rollout after it emerged the presenter broke lockdown rules.
Burley was already in Coventry ahead of the first jabs being delivered in hospital but a Guido scoop about her 60th birthday celebrations put a pin in Sky’s plans.
On Saturday a group of 10 visited an exclusive members club in Soho, London, the Century Club, and sat on two tables, including Sky’s political editor Beth Rigby. After leaving at 11pm, a smaller group went on to a restaurant, Folie, the owner of which had appeared on Burley’s programme last week.
Four then went to an after party at Burley’s house.
The Sky presenter apologised, saying she had only broken the rules because she had “to spend a penny.”
I had been waiting for a taxi at 11pm to get home. Desperate for the loo I briefly popped into another restaurant to spend a penny. I can only apologise 2/2
— Kay Burley (@KayBurley) December 7, 2020
Giving Rita Ora a run for her money.
All of the Sky staff present are facing an internal inquiry into their conduct.
Tuesday morning’s iteration of Kay’s breakfast show was instead presented from Coventry University hospital by Sarah Hewson, Burley’s absence was not acknowledged.
A Sky News spokesperson told the Guardian: “We place the highest importance on complying with the government guidelines on Covid, and we expect all our people to comply.
“We were disappointed to learn that a small number of Sky News staff may have engaged in activity that breached the guidelines. Although this took place at a social event in personal time, we expect all our people to follow the rules that are in place for everyone. An internal process is under way to review the conduct of the people involved.”
