NEW: Met Police issues statement saying they want “minimal reference” to No 10 parties they’re investigating in Sue Gray’s report - explains why it still hasn’t been published.
Sue Gray facing a quandary - does she go ahead and publish incomplete report w/o details of most serious potential breaches, but which could still have HR consequences, and risk it being branded whitewash, or does she put whole thing off until after police investigation complete?
The Met talk of prejudicing their “investigation”, rather than any trial, because the alleged crimes would only ever be punished by a fixed penalty notice.
What does all of this mean for Boris Johnson? It buys him time. His allies think this important as it means public anger subsides (for now), MPs back off fr confidence vote, he gets chance to get back on front foot. But Met probe remains on horizon, plus challenging Spring.
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NEW: Boris Johnson’s spox says the PM will “cooperate fully” with Met if they ask to interview him.
He “fully acknowledges” public anger but calls for police to get “time and space”.
“It will provide the public with welcome clarity and help draw a line under these events”.
No 10 says it is “fair to say the PM does not” believe he has broken the law with lockdown parties - but won’t comment further.
Downing Street appears to suggest that Sue Gray can report the bits of her inquiry that aren’t being looked at by police whenever she likes - but hold back the rest. Sounds complicated.
BREAKING: Boris Johnson had a surprise birthday party during first lockdown with wife Carrie inviting up to 30 people to Cabinet Room bash - despite rules banning indoor social gatherings. Another cracking @PaulBrandITV scoop
“A group of staff working in No 10 that day gathered briefly in the Cabinet Room after a meeting to wish PM a happy birthday. He was there for less than 10 minutes.”
Yet interior designer Lulu Lytle - not No 10 staff - was invited.
No 10 denies there was a family gathering in the PM's flat later that evening - saying it was in garden instead.
I remember the day well... as it's also my birthday. I dragged a few mates to the park for bday cake and a glass of fizz 🥳
PM's private sec Martin Reynolds wrote: "Hi all. After what has been an incredibly busy period it would be nice to make the most of the lovely weather and have some socially distanced drinks in the No10 garden this evening. Please join us from 6pm and bring your own booze!"
At the time, the rest of England was banned from outdoor gatherings.
Just an hour before the event Cabinet minister Oliver Dowden said: "You can meet one person outside of your household in an outdoor, public place provided that you stay two metres apart".
NEW: There will be no further Covid restrictions before New Year in England, Health Secretary Sajid Javid has said.
Health Secretary says people should "remain cautious" and celebrate NYE outside if possible.
Javid adds: “When we get into the new year, of course we will see then whether we do need to take any further measures, but nothing more until then at least.”
Only partial data published for Christmas period in England but case numbers still high - 113,628 on Dec 25. Record highs in Scotland.
And first NHS data released since Christmas shows Covid patients in London hospitals have surged by 62% in a week.