Health

Met could launch investigation into Downing Street party


Police could investigate lockdown parties in Downing Street if Whitehall’s investigation finds ‘substantial evidence’ of breaking the law, Scotland Yard said last night.

The Met has faced criticism from opposition politicians for its refusal to investigate allegations that multiple parties organized in No10 broke Covid laws over the past two years.

Whitehall’s chief ethics officer, Sue Grey, is investigating allegations including a ‘bring your own booze’ party attended by Boris Johnson at the height of the first lockdown on May 20. 2020.

In a statement last night, Scotland Yard said it would only consider launching its own investigation if Ms Gray uncovers evidence of a potential criminal offence.

In a statement last night, Scotland Yard said it would only consider launching its own investigation if Ms Gray uncovers evidence of a potential criminal offence.

In a statement last night, Scotland Yard said it would only consider launching its own investigation if Ms Gray uncovers evidence of a potential criminal offence.

In a statement last night, Scotland Yard said it would only consider launching its own investigation if Ms Gray uncovers evidence of a potential criminal offence.

In a statement last night, Scotland Yard said it would only consider launching its own investigation if Ms Gray uncovers evidence of potential offenses.

It said: ‘If there is substantial evidence that there is a breach of the regulations, officers can review and review it.

‘The Cabinet Office is conducting an investigation into the gatherings at 10 Downing Street and the Department for Education.

‘The Met is in constant contact with the Cabinet Office regarding this investigation. If the investigation determines evidence of potentially criminal conduct, it will be forwarded to the Met for further review. ‘

Last night’s statement put further pressure on Miss Grey, who is working to complete her investigation into the events.

Several Tory MPs have separately warned that they would expect Mr Johnson to resign if reports were made against him. However, ministers last night became increasingly confident Ms Gray would not directly criticize the Prime Minister for attending events.

A Whitehall source said: ‘It doesn’t look like she will deal a killer blow to the Prime Minister. It won’t be a total whitewash – there will be criticism of the culture in No10 and of the amount of alcohol that goes on in the workplace.

‘The Prime Minister is ultimately responsible for the culture that allows rule violations to continue. But I would be surprised if she suggested that he broke the rules on his own. ‘

Another good source said: ‘She will only present the truth – she is not an executioner. Ultimately, the arbiter will be the Prime Minister, although in this case I doubt that the court of public opinion will be the judge. ‘

However, Culture Minister Nadine Dorries said Ms Gray was an ‘independent’ figure widely respected for her work. She told Sky News: ‘I know it wouldn’t be a whitewash because a professional civil servant doesn’t do it.’ Sources last night said Miss Gray’s report could be released by the end of next week.

However, one person stressed the need to be comprehensive and added: ‘The last thing we need is for Sue Gray to report and allegations about another party will be leaked the next day.’ The results of Miss Gray’s investigation will be presented to the Prime Minister. No10 could not say who, if anyone, would decide what sanctions he would face if criticized.

Labor deputy leader Angela Rayner suggested the investigation could make Mr Johnson play the role of ‘judge and jury’ over his own conduct.

She said any issues involving ministers discovered during the investigation would be handled in accordance with the ministerial code – for which the Prime Minister is ultimately responsible.



Source link

news7f

News7F: Update the world's latest breaking news online of the day, breaking news, politics, society today, international mainstream news .Updated news 24/7: Entertainment, Sports...at the World everyday world. Hot news, images, video clips that are updated quickly and reliably

Related Articles

Back to top button