A Metropolitan Police investigation into a number of events alleged to have taken place in Downing Street during lockdown is set to delay the publication of Sue Gray's own probe into the 'gatherings', it has been reported.
Met Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick declined to say which alleged parties are being investigated, nor would she put a timeline on when officers could detail their findings.
The gatherings were already under investigation by senior official Ms Gray, and the Cabinet Office said her work continues.
But the BBC is reporting the publication of her report will be delayed for the Met's own probe. It had been expected to be published this week.
ITV News political editor Robert Peston said it may not be published now for 'many week'.
A Cabinet Office spokesman said: “The investigation being carried out by Sue Gray is continuing.
“There is ongoing contact with the Metropolitan Police Service.”
The department did not immediately confirm reports suggesting the report will be further delayed pending the police investigation.
Dame Cressida said on Tuesday officers were now investigating potential offences over two years after being passed information from the Sue Gray inquiry.
Dame Cressida told the London Assembly’s Police and Crime Committee: “What I can tell you this morning is that as a result of the information provided by the Cabinet Office inquiry team and, secondly, my officers’ own assessment, I can confirm that the Met is now investigating a number of events that took place at Downing Street and Whitehall in the last two years in relation to potential breaches of Covid-19 regulations.”
She pledged to only give updates at “significant points” and declined to say which alleged parties are under investigation, nor would she put a timeline on when officers could detail their findings.
“The fact that we are now investigating does not, of course, mean that fixed penalty notices will necessarily be issued in every instance and to every person involved,” she said.
