LIVE BLOG: Boris Johnson bats off calls to resign from Keir Starmer and Ian Blackford

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Civil servant, Sue Gray, has completed her investigation into allegations illegal gatherings occurred in Downing Street throughout the pandemic.

A report by senior civil servant, Sue Gray, into alleged illegal gatherings in Downing Street during when lockdown restrictions were in place is likely to be published today.

Follow all of the breaking news and developments concerning the Sue Gray report, PMQs at 12pm and the Met’s investigation, scroll down for our live blog below.

Politics Live: Sue Gray report expected within hours as Boris Johnson prepares for PMQs at 12pm

Key Events

  • Boris Johnson emerges from PMQs in buoyant mood
  • Liz Truss says prime minister Boris Johnson has not yet received the Sue Gray's completed report
  • Foreign Secretary says government may have to redact parts of report due to “security reasons"
  • Met investigating number of ‘events’ in Downing Street that potentially breached Covid regulations

Boris Johnson emerges from PMQs in buoyant mood

Getty Images

Boris Johnson has emerged from Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) relatively unscathed.

The prime minister swatted away calls from Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer and SNP leader, Ian Blackford to resign.

When pressed on the news the Met Police is now investigating events in Downing Street that potentially breached Covid restrictions, Mr. Johnson said he could not comment until the investigation was complete.

Keir Starmer sought clarity from the prime minister over publication of the Sue Gray report.

There is a suggestion that the prime minister may attempt to limit what is released into the public domain by redacting parts of Sue Gray’s report.

When asked by Keir Starmer if he would publish the report in full Boris Johnson replied “ When I receive it of course I will do exactly what I said”.

Ian Blackford calls on Boris Johnson resign

Leader of the SNP in Westminster, Sir. Ian Blackford.Leader of the SNP in Westminster, Sir. Ian Blackford.
Leader of the SNP in Westminster, Sir. Ian Blackford. | Getty Images

SNP leader in Westminster, Ian Blackford, calls on prime minister Boris Johnson, to resign several times.

Mr. Blackford accuses the Conservatives of not taking ‘partygate’ seriously of “eating cake”.

Boris Johnson appears to suggest Mr. Blackford is the one who has eaten the cake.

Labour Party leader, Sir Kier Starmer.Labour Party leader, Sir Kier Starmer.
Labour Party leader, Sir Kier Starmer. | Getty Images

Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer asks prime minister Boris Johnson if he will resign after he said on December 18, 2021 that “all guidance was followed”.

Boris Johnson replies saying he cannot comment as the Met Police are now investigating events at Downing Street.

The prime minister is also attempting to fend off Starmer’s questions by saying he and his government are focused on bigger issues such as the situation on the border between Ukraine and Russia and the cost of living crisis.

Keir Starmer asks the prime minister if the entire Sue Gray report will be published.

Boris Johnson replies: “ “Of course I will do what I said.”

Boris Johnson is on his way to face MPs in the House of Commons

Boris Johnson was ‘ambushed with cake'

Channel 4 News interviewed Boris Johnson ally, Conor Burns, MP on Tuesday evening.

Mr. Burns attempted to explain away the revelation Boris Johnson had attended a gathering in the cabinet room in Downing Street on June 19, 2020 be claiming the prime minister was “ambushed with a cake”.

The phrase went viral on social media.

Boris Johnson will appear before MPs at 12pm.

What happens when Boris Johnson receives the Sue Gray report?

Prime Minister, Boris Johnson.Prime Minister, Boris Johnson.
Prime Minister, Boris Johnson. | Getty Images

It has been reported that Sue Gray expects her report to be published in full.

Despite Downing Street telling journalists the report would be published in its entirety there is a suggestion they are starting to row back on this.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss says some parts of the report could be redacted for “security reasons”.

Boris Johnson yet to receive Sue Gray report

Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss.Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss.
Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss. | Getty Images

Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss, has revealed prime minister Boris Johnson has not yet received the completed Sue Gray report into allegations parties were held in Downing Street during the pandemic when restrictions were in place.

Mrs. Truss also said parts of the report may have to be redacted because of “security reasons”.

Boris Johnson will make a statement in the House of Commons after the report is published.

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