The Government has said the investigation by civil servant Sue Gray will continue despite a police investigation into parties in Downing Street During lockdown.
Earlier today the Met Police confirmed they are now investigating whether any law has been broken by alleged parties held in and around Downing Street during Covid lockdown.
Labour Deputy Leader Angela Rayner said 'potential criminality had been found in Downing Street'.
Paymaster General Michael Ellis confirmed that the Sue Gray investigation will continue. He said: "It appears as though the people who set the rules, may not have been following the rules."
Mr Ellis said there is ongoing contact between the Cabinet Office and the police during the two investigations.
Cabinet Office minister Michael Ellis, replying to an urgent question about the latest fallout from so-called ‘partygate’, told MPs: “This is a matter for the police, and the House will understand that I’m not in a position to comment on the nature or content of the police investigation.
“I have previously made clear from this despatch box that the Government recognises and I recognise the public anxiety and indignation that it appears as though the people who have been setting the rules may not have been following the rules, and I’d like to repeat that sentiment today.” Sue Gray will pause investigating or publishing any party allegations that the police are inspecting but is free to publish other matters in her inquiry, No 10 has suggested.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “As the terms of reference make clear, they won’t publish anything that relates to the work of the police, there are a number of events and allegations that they have looked into that the police said don’t reach their threshold, which they are able to continue looking into.
“And it is my understanding that they will be able to publish detail about those events rather than ones which the police might be taking forward.”
He added: “It’s up to the investigation team when they publish, it’s my understanding they are able to publish the aspects that aren’t a matter for the police.”
Discussing the events the police are investigating, the spokesman said: “I think under the terms of reference that work (for the Gray inquiry) pauses, I don’t know what that means once the Met Police’s investigation concludes, whether they return to them and continue.” The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “Firstly, the Prime Minister thinks it is entirely right for the police to investigate these matters.
“He commissioned the Cabinet Office to establish the facts and, as set out in the published terms of reference, and as the (Met) Commissioner has said this morning, the independent process has always involved the sharing of information with the Met and the ability for the Met to take forward and investigate matters pertaining to the law, as is right.
“The PM fully acknowledges the public’s anger and concern about what has been reported, he has taken responsibility for his judgments made and it is right the Met should be now given the time and space to undertake their investigations.
“It will provide the public with welcome clarity and help draw a line under these events and everyone required will fully co-operate in any way they are asked.” Boris Johnson did not discuss the police investigation with his Cabinet despite having been made aware it would go ahead before their meeting, No 10 has said.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “That was confirmed by the police while Cabinet was taking place so he didn’t reference it specifically, he alluded to that at the end of Cabinet but beyond that no.
“He made those comments about ensuring the Government is not deterred from getting on with the job, he didn’t go into detail about the Met given that Cressida Dick made her comments while Cabinet was taking place.”
The spokesman added: “The Prime Minister was made aware shortly before Cressida Dick announced that in her session.”
Asked then if Mr Johnson knew about the investigation before Cabinet, the spokesman replied: “Yes.”
