Boris Johnson handed results of Partygate report - despite fears it will be a whitewash

31 January 2022, 10:09 | Updated: 31 January 2022, 12:35

Boris Johnson has said he "sticks absolutely to what he's said in the past" about alleged lockdown-breaking parties in Downing Street as No10 was handed the long-awaited report into the matter.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman confirmed the PM 'briefly' discussed the contents of the report with its author Sue Gray ahead of the redacted report being handed over.

"My understanding is they spoke briefly yesterday," he said.

"I think they briefly discussed the findings. I don't know exactly what they discussed."

Asked if the Prime Minister was grateful for Ms Gray's work, the spokesman said: "Yes, he commissioned this work she carried out."

On a visit to the port in Tilbury, Essex, earlier the Prime Minister refused to be drawn when asked whether the report by civil servant Ms Gray into the gatherings would be a "whitewash," after the Metropolitan Police requested parts be redacted.

Mr Johnson added: "Of course I stick absolutely to what I've said in the past".

Not long afterwards, the Cabinet Office confirmed the redacted report had been received by No10.

A Cabinet Office spokesperson said: "We can confirm that Sue Gray has provided an update on her investigations to the Prime Minister."

It also emerged today that Downing Street's lockdown breakers might never be identified by police as they could end up being given fixed penalty notices and their names will not be made public.

Ms Gray is understood to have pared back the report following a request from the Metropolitan Police.

Boris Johnson is 'the worst Prime Minister in the last 100 years'.

The Prime Minister is reportedly expected to carry out a round of sackings as a result of the reports contents.

Questions have also been looming over Mr Johnson's future as he awaits the findings of the Whitehall and police inquiries into claims of lockdown-busting gatherings.

Liz Truss stood by the Prime Minister on Sunday, saying he is "absolutely" the best person to lead the Conservative Party into the next general election.

Asked if she is tempted by the top job, she said: "There is no contest. There is no discussion."

On Saturday, Tom Tugendhat, a backbench Tory MP who has been critical of the Government's handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal, became the first to announce that he intends to stand for leader if there is a contest soon.

The Independent later reported that the Chancellor was putting the final touches to a leadership bid after telling allies he believed the scandal over alleged parties in Downing Street and Whitehall could be "unsurvivable" for the PM.

It was also reported on Sunday that the Government is expected to announce a U-turn on mandatory Covid vaccinations for NHS and social care staff.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid has been facing pressure to scrap the requirement for health workers in England to be vaccinated by April amid fears it will lead to a major staffing crisis.

Trade minister Penny Mordaunt tweeted in response to the reports in The Telegraph: "This looks promising... Hope a sensible way through can be found for both health and social care."

And Conservative former minister Steve Baker said: "What a relief. The right decision."