Boris Johnson got off on the wrong foot with staff at the Conservative Party’s headquarters after barring them from his victory party.

Tory employees were in revolt at the decision to restrict access to Mr Johnson’s party at Millbank to celebrate him winning the London mayoral election.

Only MPs, donors and a tiny number of political strategists were said to have been allowed to attend. One source said: “It is a kick in the teeth for all the workers. The party chiefs deserve a good hiding for it.”

At least one guest handed back an invitation in protest at the decision to exclude most of the people who worked around the clock to secure the win. Much of Mr Johnson’s success has been attributed to the teams who ensured that voters turned out in the London suburbs.

Mr Johnson attended the party early yesterday evening before travelling across town to City Hall.

Among those expected to attend were George Osborne, chief election strategist, and Jonathan Marland, the former Treasurer who donated to Mr Johnson’s campaign and is expected to work as an adviser in City Hall.

Nick Boles, who is handling the transition, is expected to brief the Mayor’s staff this weekend about Mr Johnson’s plans. Some of Mr Livingstone’s staff cleared their desks on Thursday.

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