Failures of leadership and judgment: These are some of the words used in Sue Gray’s initial report into Covid lockdown parties at Downing Street
Senior civil servant Sue Gray says 16 events fell within the scope of her investigation, and 12 of those are now being further examined by the Metropolitan Police.
Gray’s report calls out “failures of leadership and judgement” as well as excessive drinking at work during the height of the pandemic.
When were the gatherings?
There were 16 events between May 2020 and April 2021, with all but one taking place at 10 Downing Street.
Two previously undisclosed events took place in Number 10 and the Cabinet Office.
Metropolitan Police are now investigating 12 events, including the drinks in the Downing Street garden on 20 May 2020
Prime Minister Boris Johnson was an attendee at this event, as well as his own birthday celebration in the Cabinet Room on 19 June 2020.
The initial findings present just part of the picture, with the entire report due to be released at a later date.
But Opposition Leader Keir Starmer says Prime Minister Boris Johnson took the public for fools, and it is clear the report reveals the most damming conclusion possible.
Sue Gray described the behavior at the gatherings as “difficult to justify” given the public was being told to adhere to wide-ranging and strict regulations on their lives.
She says the events represent “a serious failure” to observe and adhere to standards for government and what was expected of the public at the time.
Former Prime Minister Theresa May has also lashed out at Johnson, questioning whether he thought the Covid rules didn’t apply to him.
What’s next?
The prime minister will now ask Sue Gray to update the report following the police investigation.
Met Police Commander Catherine Roper says her team now has to sort through over 500 documents before making any final decisions.
At this moment, Johnson’s role as leader of Britain is hanging on by a thread, as some Tory MPs weigh up if they want him to continue as PM
