New revelations
Gray’s report is expected to be more detailed and will reveal who attended other celebrations, such as the one on April 16, 2021, the night before the solemn funeral of Prince Philip, the Queen’s consort, when the country was in mourning. According to witnesses, the party was so noisy that security officers asked the attendees to go out into the garden.
The revelations follow one another: several people who attended the Downing Street parties during the lockdown told the BBC that they were always so crowded that people had to sit on each other’s lap, while those who came to work in the morning found empty bottles everywhere and bins. full garbage. At the time it was forbidden to meet more than two people outside the family in a closed environment.
Many witnesses also reported how those who tried to object to the parties, pointing out that they were illegal, were made fun of and ostracized. The fear now is that most of the 126 fines have been imposed on young officials who could not oppose the will of their bosses, while those responsible, including the premier, try to avoid any sanctions or consequences.
Distrust of the premier is growing
There also remains a question mark about the meeting between Gray and the premier. At first Downing Street insisted that she was the official who asked to speak to Johnson, but then she had to admit that the invitation was from the premier. According to press reports, Johnson pressured Gray to persuade her not to publish the report.
While the Labor opposition returns to demand Johnson’s resignation as required by the rules for those who lie to Parliament, rebellion is also mounting among conservative MPs. According to some sources, over 40 deputies have sent a letter of no confidence in the premier. If the number reaches 54, the vote of confidence will take place. The next few hours will be decisive for Johnson and his government.