Thread by @paulwaugh

As a consummate Whitehall operator, Sue Gray's report shows a skilful civil servant can damn @BorisJohnson - even without having to directly criticise him.

My snap analysis:
inews.co.uk/opinion/sue-gr…

"The worry was that instead of the “full Gray” we would get the dull Gray..." But even the neutered version makes life difficult for the PM.

NB the word 'party' is mentioned just once in the entire 'partygate' report.
"You must not have a work Christmas lunch or party, where that is a primarily social activity and is
not otherwise permitted"

Will the PM to use that to pick the lock of the chains wrapped around him?

Note @trussliz is in Commons again nice and early to be in place to support @BorisJohnson
Last week it was NIreland Qs she turned up early for. This week Education Qs

And now @RishiSunak and @BorisJohnson have walked in together behind Speaker's chair

PM being literally surrounded by a phalanx of Cabinet minsters off camera: @OliverDowden @theresecoffey and others

.@theresa_may gets up first to try and catch the Speaker's eye. Andrew Mitchell too. Ominous..

"I know what the issue is.." says Johnson
"YOU!" yell Labour MPs..

#owngoal

.@Keir_Starmer clearly widening this out to a national story of pride in their sacrifice during Covid.
Now quotes Margaret Thatcher about first duty of a PM is to uphold the law.

Feels like direct pitch to Tory voters who have left Labour since 2010. And all voters in general