Will it make any lasting difference? Outrage and shock fill the newspapers this morning after Sue Gray published her report yesterday. But many believe little will really change.
Resignation calls grow after damning report
Will it make any lasting difference? Outrage and shock fill the newspapers this morning after Sue Gray published her report yesterday. But many believe little will really change.
It was the moment everyone had been waiting for. After nearly six months of interviews, investigation, speculation and seemingly endless delay, senior civil servantCivil servants help the government develop and carry out policies. They are non-political. Sue Gray's full report into lockdown-breaking parties at Number 10 Downing Street finally landed on the desk of British prime minister Boris Johnson.
The response was immediate. "Boris Johnson's Downing Street is rotten from the very top," said deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner. "The Sue Gray report lays bare the shocking failures of leadership by Boris Johnson and shows why he's not fit to lead our country," added Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey.
"I accept full responsibility for my failings," Johnson replied in a statement to MPsMembers of Parliament. MPs are elected to represent people in 650 different geographical areas. . "We have learned our lesson."
For many, the publication marks the defining moment of Johnson's political career so far. They are certain: this report will lay to rest the biggest scandal of his premiership and finally decide his fate once and for all.
Here are the key findings:
1. Dozens of people, including Boris Johnson, attended 16 different events that breached Covid-19 regulations and guidance.
2. Many of the events were planned in advance. They "should not have been allowed to happen".
3. Martin Reynolds, a top aide to Johnson, boasted "we seem to have got away with" a garden party at Number 10 Downing Street. At another party, senior civil servants sang karaoke and drank "excessive" amounts of prosecco late into the night despite lockdown rules.
4. Senior politicians and civil servants fell short of the standards of behaviour expected at the heart of government.
5. It is senior leaders that must take full responsibility for the culture that allowed the parties to take place, not junior staff.
6. Security and cleaning staff were treated with an "unacceptable" lack of respect.
7. Progress is being made to change the management of Downing Street and the Cabinet OfficeThe Cabinet Office is part of the centre of government, alongside No 10 Downing Street and the Treasury. Its head office is near Downing Street. after concerns were raised in the initial report.
The losers are obvious. Boris Johnson's reputation has been "permanently damaged", wrote one journalist yesterday. His character, integrity and judgement have all been called into question. And he could still face a vote of no confidence if enough ToryA member of the Conservative party. MPs submit a letter to the 922 committeeThe committee of backbench Conservative MPs. If 15% of Conservative MPs submit a letter of no confidence to the chairman of the committee, a vote of no confidence will be held. .
The head of the civil service, Simon CaseCase is the highest-ranking public official to be implicated in the report. At 43, he is the youngest person to hold the role of Cabinet Secretary since 1916. , who was forced to step aside from leading the inquiry after it was revealed he hosted a Christmas quiz, faced fierce criticism yesterday. So too did Chancellor Rishi Sunak, who received a fine after a police investigation.
But many believe winners have emerged from the investigation too. Few had heard of Sue Gray before Simon Case asked her to take over the report. Now, she is a household name, renowned for her diligence and meticulous approach. One MP even nicknamed her "the woman who runs the country".
Meanwhile, Dominic Cummings has claimed for months that Johnson ignored warnings to shut down a party in May 2020. Today, there is proof: the event should never have taken place.
<h5 class=" eplus-wrapper">Will it make any lasting difference?</h5>
Yes: Johnson is under immense pressure. The findings may encourage more of his MPs to call for a vote of no confidence. Meanwhile, steps are already being taken to change how Downing Street is run.
No: Most people made up their minds about the lockdown parties months ago. Much of the anger has already passed. And Boris Johnson is clear: he will not resign.
Or... The report provides clear details about the parties: who organised them and when. But it does not discuss a fundamental issue: the focus of power in one place, and the culture allowed to thrive there.
Civil servant - Civil servants help the government develop and carry out policies. They are non-political.
MPs - Members of Parliament. MPs are elected to represent people in 650 different geographical areas.
Cabinet Office - The Cabinet Office is part of the centre of government, alongside No 10 Downing Street and the Treasury. Its head office is near Downing Street.
Tory - A member of the Conservative party.
1922 Committee - The committee of backbench Conservative MPs. If 15% of Conservative MPs submit a letter of no confidence to the chairman of the committee, a vote of no confidence will be held.
Simon Case - Case is the highest-ranking public official to be implicated in the report. At 43, he is the youngest person to hold the role of Cabinet Secretary since 1916.
Resignation calls grow after damning report

Glossary
Civil servant - Civil servants help the government develop and carry out policies. They are non-political.
MPs - Members of Parliament. MPs are elected to represent people in 650 different geographical areas.
Cabinet Office - The Cabinet Office is part of the centre of government, alongside No 10 Downing Street and the Treasury. Its head office is near Downing Street.
Tory - A member of the Conservative party.
1922 Committee - The committee of backbench Conservative MPs. If 15% of Conservative MPs submit a letter of no confidence to the chairman of the committee, a vote of no confidence will be held.
Simon Case - Case is the highest-ranking public official to be implicated in the report. At 43, he is the youngest person to hold the role of Cabinet Secretary since 1916.