What does Sue Gray's report actually say about Boris Johnson?
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Today finally sees the early conclusions of senior civil servant Sue Gray's report into Boris Johnson's government published, following multiple accusations of rule-breaking parties taking place during lockdown at number 10.
Many of the general public have been eagerly awaiting its verdict – especially those who lost loved ones during the pandemic, whilst 'cheese and wine' Christmas dos and garden parties were being held at 10 Downing Street – as it could play a big part in the Prime Minister's future. Namely, if it's super damning and enough Tory MPs call for him to resign and say he's broken the Ministerial Code, it could be farewell to Boris.
If you're wondering exactly what the report says, what Sue Gray's report means and how it may impact on PM Boris Johnson's future as the leader of the Conservative party, then read on – we've broken down they key points for you.
Currently, the publicly available report is only twelve pages long though, despite Gray interviewing over 70 people during her writing process and seemingly having plenty more to say. At one point, she remarks "unfortunately... I am [currently] extremely limited in what I can say" due to the ongoing Met Police investigation, but she does sound keen to share the "extensive factual information" she's having to withhold at present. (So, in a word, she's got plenty of tea that she's keen to spill later and is hanging on to those receipts.)
What does Sue Gray's report say about the government's lockdown parties?
Gray's report explicitly states that "a number of gatherings should not have been allowed to take place" and describes them as "difficult to justify" – which is a marked contrast to what the PM has previously said on record [about no rules being broken]. In December, Johnson also denied a party ever took place in the flat at Downing Street, when asked by Labour MP Catherine West.
Gray notes that "excessive alcohol consumption" isn't appropriate within any professional workplace, at any time, and says "some staff wanted to raise concerns about behaviours they witnessed at work but at times felt unable to do so... no member of staff should feel unable to report or challenge poor conduct where they witness it".
She adds, "Against the backdrop of the pandemic, when the government was asking citizens to accept far-reaching restrictions on their lives, some of the behaviour surrounding these gatherings is difficult to justify. 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."
Gray also pretty much says the events are thoughtless and inappropriate, sentiments echoed by those who were following strict Covid guidance set in place by the government whilst their loved ones passed away alone. Thousands of people had important events such as weddings cancelled, funerals were limited in numbers during lockdown periods and there was a sharp rise in loneliness (with serious mental health repercussions), as socialising was put on pause.
She continues on to note that the "leadership structures [in No 10] are fragmented and complicated and this has sometimes led to the blurring of lines of accountability".
In her full conclusion, Gray states: "The gatherings within the scope of this investigation are spread over a 20-month period – a period that has been unique in recent times in terms of the complexity and breadth of the demands on public servants and indeed the general public.
"The whole of the country rose to the challenge. Ministers, special advisers and the Civil Service, of which I am proud to be a part, were a key and dedicated part of that national effort. However, as I have noted, a number of these gatherings should not have been allowed to take place or to develop in the way that they did.
"There is significant learning to be drawn from these events which must be addressed immediately across government. This does not need to wait for the police investigations to be concluded."
Will Boris Johnson have to step down as Prime Minister?
Unless he receives a vote of no confidence from enough members of his own party, it seems unlikely (based on past behaviours) that the PM will step down voluntarily or without a fight. However, many MPs from the opposition are calling for him to (and have been doing so for some time, branding him a 'liar').
Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy said of the report that it shows Johnson to be "a coward, a rule-breaker and needs to step down".
Labour MP Chris Bryant, tweeted: "Behaviour that is difficult to justify. A serious failure to observe high standards. Failures of leadership and judgement. Excessive consumption of alcohol in a professional workplace. Gatherings that should not have been able to take place. And that’s just the update!"
A little after 3.30pm today [31 January 2022] Johnson addressed the House of Commons and admitted he accepts the findings of Sue Gray's report. "We must look at ourselves in the mirror and we must learn... It's no use saying this or that was within the rules... This pandemic was hard for everyone, we asked people across this country to make most extraordinary sacrifices."
The PM also said he acknowledges the anger people feel and added "it isn’t enough to say sorry", whilst pledging to make changes moving forwards.
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