Sue Gray's report into the various parties at No 10 Downing Street has finally been published.
The much-anticipated report had been repeatedly delayed thanks to more allegations of rule-breaking, and then by the Metropolitan Police's late decision to investigate.
The Met also asked Gray to only make "minimal reference" to the specific events they are themselves investigating, leading to accusations of a cover-up.
READ MORE: Who is Sue Gray?
As such, Gray has opted to publish only an "update" into the allegations and her findings, rather than the full report, which could come later.
Despite its limitations, as admitted by Gray herself, it finds that the parties "represent a serious failure to observe not just the high standards expected of those working at the heart of Government but also of the standards expected of the entire British population at the time".
It also says:
"There was too little thought given to what was happening across the country"
"There were failures of leadership and judgement by different parts of No 10 and the cabinet office"
"Some of the events should not have been allowed to take place. Other events should not have been allowed to develop as they did."
"The excessive consumption of alcohol is not appropriate in a professional workplace at any time. Steps must be taken to ensure that every government department has a clear and robust policy in place covering the consumption of alcohol in the workplace."
The use of the Downing Street garden for gatherings was often "without clear authorisation or oversight. This was not appropriate."
Gray also uncovered a further three gatherings that are now under investigation by the police. In total, there are now 16 parties that come within Gray's remit. Only four of these are not under investigation by the Metropolitan Police.
But what happens now?
Well, firstly, Johnson must face the country and explain all of this. He is to face the house of commons this afternoon, followed by his own MPs this evening. Conservative MPs can choose to oust their leader much more easily than we, the public, can outside of a general election.
Boris Johnson could, in theory, decide to resign, though this appears unlikely. The only development on this front is the new revelation that a party held in Johnson's private flat is now under investigation by the police, which could put his previous assertion in parliament that "there was no party" to the test. Under the ministerial code, any minister who knowingly misleads parliament is expected to resign.
The Met's investigation must also play out, though the service has not placed a timescale on when we can expect its report to conclude. When it does, anyone found guilty could be hit with a fine, and if any government minister is found guilty, they would come under immense pressure to resign.
Alternatively, that investigation could prove to be a damp squib, in which case, Johnson could limp on, politically damaged and with his authority weakened but ultimately still standing.
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