The scope of Sue Gray’s report is limited, but the public do have power

‘Sue Gray may be impartial but she is not independent.’ Photograph: Andy Rain/EPA

Sue Gray is unlikely to produce the conclusion that many are hoping for. She should not be expected to do so. Her task is to discover the facts, not pronounce a verdict.

The first issue on which she is asked to pronounce is whether the Downing Street parties broke either government guidance or the law, an offence for which many were fined. That, however, should not be a matter for her but for the police.