Sheffield City Council's absent chief executive Kate Josephs was following Cabinet Office requirements for confidentiality when she repeatedly denied being involved in lockdown parties, The MJ understands.

Under-fire Ms Josephs, who has faced calls to resign, remains on discretionary leave after the council launched an independent investigation into her attendance at a party in Whitehall.

The party was held to mark her departure from her role as director general of the Government's COVID-19 taskforce in December 2020, when London was in tier three restrictions and just before it tipped into tier four.

There was widespread criticism and fury after Ms Josephs finally admitted gathering with colleagues for office drinks despite the council having flatly denied to local journalists for weeks that she attended any Westminster parties.

It is believed that Ms Josephs had asked for permission to reveal her party took place when the local press started asking questions.

A Whitehall source denied that permission was refused, pointing out she did not need approval from the Cabinet Office.

The Cabinet Office declined to comment on whether it was approached by Ms Josephs for advice but it is believed it would have asked all participants in any ongoing investigation to respect confidentiality requirements to protect the integrity of the probe.

Ms Josephs eventually issued a statement apologising and confirming the event took place as revelations about the series of parties and gatherings held in Downing Street and Whitehall in 2020 increased.

She now faces disciplinary action, including for failing to initially disclose the party to Sheffield leader Terry Fox.