Sue Gray uncovers email warning Boris Johnson's private secretary 'against No10 drinks party during lockdown'

Sue Gray uncovers email warning Boris Johnson's private secretary 'against No10 drinks party during lockdown'
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Max Parry

By Max Parry


Published: 20/01/2022

- 16:29

Updated: 14/02/2023

- 12:00

The email told Martin Reynolds the party "should be cancelled because it broke the rules"

The civil servant running the inquiry into the Downing Street parties has discovered an email which warns the Prime Minister's private secretary, Martin Reynolds, against hosting a party in Number 10.

Sue Gray was appointed by Boris to investigate potential illegal activity in Downing Street during lockdown.


Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons.
House of Commons

The email told Martin Reynolds, that the party in Downing Street "should be cancelled because it broke the rules", according to ITV news.

Dominic Cummings, the PM's former chief adviser, alleged he personally told Boris Johnson not to go to the party. He was also first first allege the PM was in attendance at the party.

Cummings claimed Martin Reynolds "checked with the PM whether the party should go ahead. The PM agreed it should".

Mr Cummings also alleges Johnson waved away concerns by Martin Reynolds over sending the email.

The PM is being called on to resign by some MPs, including senior Tory David Davis who told him "In the name of God, go."

It's been alleged by many in the chamber that Johnson has lied to the House.

Sue Gray's investigation is due to be completed next week.

If the PM is found to have lied to Parliament, the pressure on him to resign will ratchet up further.

It's expected that more letters of no confidence will be submitted to Sir Graham Brady, chair of the 1922 Committee, if Sue Gray's report paints Mr Johnson in a less than favourable light.

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