Investigation of Covid lockdown parties in Boris Johnson's residence, 10 Downing Street takes speed

Heat bears down on Prime Minister Boris Johnson's office and residence as a much-anticipated investigation of parties during the Covid-19 strict lockdown. This exemplifies the pressure on the already struggling Conservative Party head.

The detailed report is given by the senior civil administrator Sue Gray. She found that several gatherings took place in Whitehall and Downing Street over the last couple of years that should not have been allowed to carry on.

Gary had launched an inquiry with the release of media reports of all the gatherings. She blamed the UK government for breaking the Covid-19 lockdown guidance for over 20 months.


What does Sue Gary's report say?
Gray's report has some humiliating details on how many of the events went on.

It particularly mentioned a farewell party on the 18th of June. Notably, gatherings of more than two people in the UK were strictly banned. The leaving party lasted for several hours, and booze consumption was off the charts. One individual got sick during the party, and two had an altercation while the rage went on.

She says in the report that whatever the reason was for these gatherings, the way it was handled or developed did not in any way, shape or form aligns with the covid protocols of that time.

Gary mentions that the government officials and members were under a lot of pressure. However, the people's behaviour and manner still cannot justify them going against the protocol.

There are nine pictures of two different events. One of them is Prime Minister Johnson's birthday party on the 19th of June, 2020, with his wife Carrie Johnson and Finance Minister Rishi Sunak. All of them are now fined by the cops. Another event that dominated the report was the presence of Boris Johnson attending a farewell for Lee Cain, Director of Communications.

Her report mentions how unacceptable the ill-treatment of the staff had been. Gary said that some of the staff had witnessed or gone through questionable things and raised concern. Some of the staff had complained about lack of respect and ill-treatment of the security and the cleaning crew. Their problems had fallen on deaf ears.

Evidence was provided of spillage of wine on one wall, several photocopier paper boxes and a "Wine Time Event" on the 18th of December, 2020.

A picture of Johnson raising a wine glass on the 13th of November, 2020, was also released.

Three days earlier, there was an alcoholic "quiz" taking place. One Downing Street official had texted the staff to inform them to leave through the back exit to avoid the press photographers.

Gray says that all the officials must be held accountable for all these behaviours.

The full-scale report is yet to be released due to the ongoing cop inquiry. Till now, 83 people have been fined 126 times.

What are Boris Johnson and the opposition party saying?
In the House of Commons on Wednesday, Johnson admitted to his mistakes and appreciated Gary's for her efforts. He says he was appalled by the behaviour of his residents but continued to defend his presence in some of the leaving dos. He believes now that since everything is out in the open, people can move on and prioritise what is needed for the citizens of Britain.

Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, said that this was the height of arrogance and the government thought that they were exempt from the rules of Covid guidelines. He accuses the Prime Minister of being a lawbreaker. He also asks Johnson to leave the office, and only then can this be restored, and democracy will live again.

The opposition accuses him of lying and misdirecting the Parliament since he said that the government broke no rules.

But till now, Boris Johnson has rejected all calls for him to resign from the post.