LONDON — Boris Johnson’s office was forced to deny reports the prime minister tried to suppress a probe into lockdown parties, as the government’s efforts to shift public attention from the long-running scandal falter.
The latest row in the so-called partygate saga started when newspapers over the weekend reported a meeting between Johnson and senior civil servant Sue Gray, who had been commissioned to investigate allegations of law-breaking parties in Downing Street and other government offices.
The news triggered a series of claims and counter claims, with cabinet minister Simon Clarke telling broadcasters the meeting was at Gray’s request — only for Johnson’s office to backtrack hours later, saying Johnson asked for the meeting to discuss the process for releasing her report.
