‘We have been mistreated’: cousin of Whitehall cleaner who died speaks out

‘We have been mistreated and badly paid’: cleaners and security staff protesting in Downing Street. Photograph: Andy Hall/The Observer

A government cleaner has described how he and his colleagues feel powerless to refuse difficult situations such as clearing up after parties, amid alleged maltreatment and low pay.

Sue Gray’s report on the Partygate scandal disclosed that government cleaners and security guards were subjected to a “lack of respect and poor treatment” while officials drank excessively, spilled wine on the walls and partied into the small hours.