Boris Johnson is set to make a statement to MPs this afternoon following the publication of initial findings from Sue Gray's inquiry into whether Covid rules were broken by the Prime Minister and his staff.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “We can confirm that Sue Gray has provided an update to the Prime Minister.
“The findings will be published on gov.uk and made available in the House of Commons library this afternoon and the Prime Minister will then provide a statement to the House after people have had the opportunity to read and consider the findings.”
He expected the Prime Minister’s statement to be made around 3.30pm. Mr Johnson will also address a meeting of the whole Conservative parliamentary party at 6.30pm, it has been reported.
The reaction - and whether he faces calls to resign - will depend on his party's reaction to the completed findings of the long-awaited reported.
Sue Gray said she decided not to publish factual accounts relating to events not under investigation by police because it would damage her overall findings.
She wrote: “In respect of the gatherings that the Metropolitan Police has assessed as not reaching the threshold for criminal investigation, they have not requested any limitations be placed on the description of those events, however, I have decided not to publish factual accounts in relation to those four dates.
“I do not feel that I am able to do so without detriment to the overall balance of the findings.”
Labour’s Chris Bryant, chairman of the Commons Standards Committee, tweeted: “Behaviour that is difficult to justify. A serious failure to observe high standards. Failures of leadership and judgement.
“Excessive consumption of alcohol in a professional workplace. Gatherings that should not of been able to take place. And that’s just the update!”
Opposition MPs have accused Downing Street of not allowing them enough time to scrutinise the findings before questioning the prime minister. Several Tory MPs have already called for the PM with a small number already forwarding letters of no confidence to Sir Graham Brady, the chair of the 1922 Committee.
Labour and other opposition parties have already demanded that Mr Johnson resigns. A "motion of censure" could also be used to officially call for the PM to go on the basis of the report.
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