Sue Gray’s Partygate report arrives in No 10 as Boris Johnson faces D-Day for ‘lying’

Senior official Sue Gray delayed the release of her long-awaited report on the Partygate scandal while the Metropolitan Police investigated unlawful gatherings in Downing Street and Whitehall

Senior official Sue Gray has sent her long-awaited report on the Downing Street Partygate saga to No10, sources confirmed today.

It is now expected to be released later today – followed by statements by Boris Johnson to Parliament and the nation.

It comes after Boris Johnson was accused of lying to Parliament after bombshell images emerged of him raising a glass of fizz at an event he was contesting.

Ms Gray has been tasked with investigating a spate of reports of Covid lawbreaking at the heart of government after the Mirror first reported lockdown-breaking parties had taken place.

The senior official was brought in to lead the inquiry after Civil Service chief Simon Case was forced to resign over a party being held in his own office.

Her report was originally due in January, but its release was put on hold after the Metropolitan Police made a dramatic decision to investigate.

Scotland Yard issued 126 fines for unlawful gatherings at Downing Street and Whitehall on eight dates in 2020 and 2021.

Mr Johnson was fined a hefty sum for attending a surprise meeting to mark his birthday in June 2020 in the Cabinet Room at Downing Street. Chancellor Rishi Sunak and his wife Carrie were also fined.

But the force is facing questions over why Mr Johnson has not received further sentences, as images emerged of the Prime Minister breaking out a toast in an exit on November 13, 2020.

Fines are understood to have been handed down for the gathering, which was a farewell party for Spin boss Lee Cain, but the Met has declined to confirm which events led to the fines.

The force was also investigating a gathering at the prime minister’s home that day where aides reportedly aired Abbas’ “The Winner Takes It All” to celebrate the departure of struggling adviser No. 10 Dominic Cummings.

Ms Gray investigated events on 12 dates, including some that were not included in Scotland Yard’s inquiry.

Events with an asterisk

• were not investigated by the police.
• 15 May 2020 – a gathering in Downing Street garden where staff were photographed having cheese and wine*
• 20 May 2020 – a BYOB party in Downing Street Gardens
• June 18, 2020 – A karaoke exit at the Cabinet Office to mark the departure of No. 10 Official Hannah Young
• 19 June 2020 – a surprise birthday event for Boris Johnson in the Cabinet Room at No 10
• November 13, 2020 – “Abba party” at the Prime Minister’s apartment number 11. Also a departure for communications chief No. 10, Lee Cain
• 27 November 2020 – Farewell at Downing Street for Special Counsel Cleo Watson *
• December 10, 2020 – Meeting at the Ministry of Education before the Christmas holidays *
• December 15, 2020 – a #10 online Christmas quiz*
• December 17, 2020 – An online Christmas quiz for the Private Office of the Cabinet Secretary. Also a departure in the Cabinet Office for Kate Josephs, a former Director-General of the Covid Task Force. Also a No. 10 leaving for Defense Assistant Captain Steve Higham
• December 18, 2020 – No10 Christmas Party
• January 14, 2021 – a Prosecco-fuelled farewell to two Private Secretaries No. 10

April 16, 2021 – On the eve of Prince Philip’s funeral, two dos for No10 communications chief James Slack and a photographer leave No10