The government are under fire today for allegedly holding a private Christmas party last year despite putting the country in lockdown, but in the past secret celebrations have been held behind Downing Street closed doors, but these were actually for a good cause.

Regardless of whichever political party lurking behind Number 10 the next door neighbour always spreads dread across the country when they hold that red briefcase up high ahead of Budget Day.

But for a number of years the Chancellor held a low-key Christmas party for children with disabilities behind closed doors and no expense was spared.

Since 2009 the team at Starlight Foundation organised an annual festive celebration at Number 11 Downing Street attended by high profile celebrities for seriously ill youngsters and their families.

The celebration was rarely made public, but in 2012 details of the party were shared on the charity’s website.

Before stepping inside 45 children and their families had a photo opportunity in front of the Christmas tree outside Number 11 Downing Street before mingling with the likes of Capital FM DJ Roman Kemp, Beverley Knight and McFly’s Harry Judd.

There was another special guest when Doctor Who AKA Jodie Whittaker parked the TARDIS outside, before she gave Father Christmas a lift back to Lapland.

In 2013 the likes of Frank Lampard, Rupert Grint and Geri Halliwell joined then Chancellor George Osborne for tea in a Santa grotto to give 40 kids a Christmas to remember with added entertainment provided by Dick & Dom.

On December 13, 2016 pop sensations The Vamps rocked up for the party alongside Brian Friedman and John Newman.

Phillip Hammond hosted the event in 2018 which saw a return visit from Jodie Whittaker, Georgia Toffolo (pictured above) and a return appearance from Beverley Knight.

Number 11 Downing Street did not become the Chancellor's official residence until 1828.