UK Partygate report condemns Johnson’s failure of leadership

A report into parties held at British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’ Downing Street office during coronavirus lockdowns said on Monday some gatherings represented a serious failing by those working at the heart of government.

“At least some of the gatherings in question represent a serious failure to observe not just the high standards expected of those working at the heart of Government but also of the standards expected of the entire British population at the time,” the report by senior civil servant Sue Gray said.

Johnson will deliver a statement on the report to parliament on Monday.

Johnson, facing the gravest threat to his premiership over the alleged parties, has so far weathered calls from opponents and some in his own party to resign by saying people should wait for the report by senior civil servant Sue Gray.

However, the report will be limited in what it reveals.

It will only describe events that are not under investigation by London’s Metropolitan Police – a move that has drawn criticism from opposition lawmakers who say it has handed the prime minister a means to dodge the truth.

Gray looked into what has become weeks of a steady drip of stories about events in Downing Street, with reports of aides stuffing a suitcase full of supermarket alcohol, breaking a children’s swing and dancing until the early hours.

Accounts of more than a dozen gatherings – including a “bring your own booze” party in the Downing Street garden – have provoked widespread public anger, fuelling the perception that the political elite failed to stick to the tough lockdown rules they set for the rest of the country.

The prime minister’s spokesman has said that Johnson does not believe he has broken the law.

“We can confirm that Sue Gray provided that update to the prime minister,” the spokesman said.

“The findings will be published..and made available in the House of Commons library this afternoon and the prime minister will then provide a statement … when people have had the opportunity to read and consider the findings.”

As a result of the police investigation, the document from Gray is not the full account Johnson would otherwise have received. The update will be published later on Monday, and Johnson will also make a statement to parliament at 1530 GMT.