Bucks MPs give different verdicts on PM's future following Sue Gray report

After the first glimpse of Sue Gray’s report into Downing Street parties during lockdown was seen on Monday afternoon, MP for Buckingham Greg Smith told Boris Johnson in Parliament that he ‘welcomes his sincere apology’.

Due to a Metropolitan Police investigation now underway, Ms. Gray was only able to release a partial report, making minimal reference to the more serious incidents the police are looking into, so as not to prejudice their inquiry.

Nonetheless, some of her findings, relating to 16 separate events thought to be in contravention of lockdown rules, are eyebrow raising. The key lines from the report are:

•  "At times it seems there was too little thought given to what was happening across the country in considering the appropriateness of some of these gatherings, the risks they presented to public health and how they might appear to the public."
•  "There were failures of leadership and judgment by different parts of No 10 and the Cabinet Office at different times."
• "Some of the events should not have been allowed to take place."
• "The excessive consumption of alcohol is not appropriate in a professional workplace at any time."
• "Some staff wanted to raise concerns about behaviours they witnessed at work but at times felt unable to do so."

Facing MPs in the House of Commons soon after the report was released, the Prime Minister said he was sorry “for things we simply didn’t get right”.

However, Mr Johnson concluded his speech in defiant manner, proclaiming “we can be trusted to deliver – we said that we would get Brexit done Mr Speaker and we did!”

In the debate that followed, which included opposition leader Keir Starmer telling the Prime Minister that the British public think he should “do the decent thing and resign,” the MP for Buckingham drew a more conciliatory tone.

Mr Smith said to the House: “As somebody who was unable to say goodbye to their grandparents this time last year, I welcome his sincere apology.”

Speaking to Bucks Radio afterwards, Greg Smith added: “I will never condone or excuse or defend those that thought parties in 10 Downing Street were a good idea,” stating, “I’m very much of the view that we now must wait for the full facts to be presented by the Metropolitan Police before we can come to any firm and solid conclusions.”

The MP for Chesham and Amersham, Sarah Green was somewhat less unsure of Mr Johnson’s guilt after reading the report. Ms. Green told us: “The Prime Minister should be ashamed that while the rest of the country were following guidance and making incredible sacrifices, he and his staff were breaking their own rules.

"Boris Johnson not only knew these events were taking place, but he also attended several. He broke the rules and, adding insult to injury, lied to the country about it. “

The Metropolitan Police have launched a criminal investigation into the parties held in and around Downing Street during the various pandemic lockdowns. It has been reported they are investigating 12 events and have received over 300 photographs in evidence.

[PICTURE: MP Sarah Green]