‘Really unhelpful’ Boris to have just hours to view ‘partygate’ report before publication
BORIS JOHNSON will only have a few hours to read Sue Gray's "partygate" report, reports have said.
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Ms Gray, a senior civil servant, is expected to publish her report next week into the lockdown breaching parties that took place in Downing Street in 2020 and 2021. Tuesday is reported to be the earliest possible date for publication.
Ms Gray has largely finished conducting interviews and is likely to spend the weekend completing her report, which is expected to be factual rather than disseminating blame.
With reports of intimidation against Tory MPs who want to oust Mr Johnson there are concerns that there could be pressure on Ms Gray.
However, Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng played down these concerns when speaking to Times Radio.
He said: “She’s extremely well regarded across Whitehall.
“She’s an impressive official, dedicated public servant and she’ll do a great job.
“I think it’s really unhelpful to suggest that there be undue pressure or undue influence exerted on her.”
Mr Johnson will have no more than 24 hours, possibly less, to view the report prior to publication according to The i.
It’s unlikely that he will have the opportunity to feed back to Ms Gray about its contents.
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There is no requirement for people named in the report to be allowed to respond to criticism.
Mr Johnson is expected to make a statement in the Commons once the report is published.
Some MPs are expected to wait to see the findings of the report before deciding whether to send letters of no confidence in the PM.
Ms Gray is believed to have examined an email from a senior official warning against a Downing Street drinks event on 20 May 2020.
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Mr Johnson claimed that he was unaware that the “bring your own booze” event was against the rules.