BBC's flagship political programme returned to people's screens last night as presenter Fiona Bruce, 57, brought the panelists to Hendon. Joining Ms Bruce for the debates were Conservative MP Rachel Maclean, Labour MP Anneliese Dodds, entrepreneur Steven Bartlett, actor Adjoa Andoh and broadcaster Michael Portillo.

       A topic that was often addressed throughout the programme was the ongoing Christmas party scandal which has put Boris Johnson in hot water.

       It was revealed several events took place last December under COVID-19 restrictions in Downing Street, the Cabinet Office and Conservative campaign headquarters.

       A Tory spokesperson has since admitted to a party taking place and Boris Johnson has apologised after footage emerged of senior No 10 officials joking and laughing about a Christmas party.

       Ms Bruce asked Tory MP Rachel Maclean why people are urged to work from home but still are able to host and attend Christmas parties under new Covid restrictions.

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       She asked: “You are encouraging them to work from home if they can, but to go to Christmas parties, what is the logic of that?”

       This comes as new measures were implemented to tackle the spread of the heavily mutated Omicron variant.

       Ms Maclean replied to the presenter's question: “Because you have to consider the big picture.

       “People's mental health was devastated in the lockdown.

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       “Going to a party and seeing your family and friends is a really important part of our life.”

       This comment received a cheeky follow up question from Ms Bruce, causing the audience to chuckle: “What about seeing your colleagues?”

       The presenter's comment comes as the Government is under fire for hosting several parties last December under Covid restrictions.

       Ms Maclean ignored the question and continued: “This is about the big picture, it is about the balance.

       “Having some sense of normality is really important to people.”

       Question Time will return next week for the last programme before Christmas from Stoke-on-Trent.

       It will air on BBC One at 10.35pm, next Thursday.