Boris Johnson faces more questions about No 10 parties from MPs later, as the results of an internal inquiry into possible lockdown breaches are due
It is understood the highly-anticipated report, by senior official Sue Gray, is largely complete and could be published as early as Wednesday but it is not expected to be revealed ahead of the Prime Minister’s Questions at noon.
It comes after the Met Police announced its own investigation on Tuesday.
Commissioner Cressida Dick said the force was looking into potential breaches of Covid laws at a number of events in government buildings since 2020.
The police probe heaps further pressure on the PM, after weeks of headlines about gatherings in Downing Street when laws preventing social mixing were in place.
The PM has apologised for attending a “bring your own booze” event on 20 May 2020, during the first lockdown, saying he thought it was a “work event”.
Some Conservative MPs have called openly for Mr Johnson to resign over the party allegations – but ministers have urged others to wait for Ms Gray’s findings.
Many Tories are waiting on her report before deciding whether to submit letters of no confidence in Mr Johnson, potentially triggering a leadership contest.
At least 54 must write to Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the backbench 1922 Committee, to set up a vote of confidence in the prime minister.
Mr Johnson has already pledged to make a statement in the Commons after the report is made public. There has been no official confirmation of when it will be published.
BBC