London. An investigation into the parties organized by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his staff during the UK lockdown said they were a “gross violation” of the rules. Meanwhile, Johnson apologized today for the entire development, but said he and his government can be trusted and that they will fix things. Senior civil servant Sue Gray concluded in her report that there were “failures of leadership and judgment” in the government and that “some things should not have been allowed to happen.” The findings are part of an “update” rather than a complete report.
Key pieces of findings have been withheld at the request of the police, as the police is investigating the matter separately. The report’s conclusion comes as a blow to Johnson, who previously said the rules were followed at all times. Gray’s findings pertain to only four of the 16 programs he examined. His findings regarding 12 other parties in the years 2020 and 2021 have been withheld at the request of the police as the police are investigating the matter separately.
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Events being investigated by police include a June 2020 birthday party for Johnson and two gatherings on the eve of Prince Philip’s funeral in April 2021. Opposition leaders and some MPs from Johnson’s party have also demanded his resignation, but Johnson has turned down the demand.
Meanwhile, Johnson apologized over the entire development, saying he and his government could be trusted. Johnson told lawmakers in the House of Commons that he would change the way the government was run in the wake of the “Partygate” issue. “I hope I can fix it,” he said. (agency)