Carlisle’s Conservative MP has said the evidence seems to point towards a party that “shouldn’t have happened” at Downing Street but that there is currently no appetite among Tories to change their leader.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his government are coming under intense pressure after it emerged yesterday that 100 people were invited to a “bring-your-own-booze” drinks event in the Downing Street garden in May 2020.
The Prime Minister and his wife are among 30 who are said to have attended the party. Mr Johnson has so far declined to rule out his attendance at the parties.
Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted that the Prime Minister needs to “come clean” about the gathering.
“My own view is that the evidence does suggest that there was a party of some description which contravenes the rules, which is completely wrong and shouldn’t have happened,” said John Stevenson, MP for Carlisle.
“An investigation is being conducted and that will ascertain the facts about what actually did happen, who was involved and will report accordingly.
“Sue Gray is a highly respected civil servant who will speak openly in her report. If it is correct, what happened shouldn’t have happened. There should not have been any party.”
Who will be conducting the investigation into the allegations?
Sue Gray is a senior servant who is not afraid to hold the most powerful political figures to account and has a fastidious reputation for ensuring they abide by the rules.
She was appointed last month by Boris Johnson to lead an investigation into a string of allegations relating to parties that breached coronavirus restrictions, but she has a history of bringing down important politicians with her findings.
This list includes former deputy prime minister Damian Green, ex-chief whip Andrew Mitchell and Liam Fox, the former defence secretary.
Despite the allegations, the Carlisle MP believes now is not the time for change.
“There does not appear to be the appetite for any change (in leader), we await the work of Sue Gray,” he said.
The MP said he shares the emotions of people who are angered by the reports.
“I concur with their frustrations and anger if it is as seems to be the case,” said Mr Stevenson.
“These events which took place should not have taken place.”
There was one overriding emotion that came over the Conservative backbencher when he saw the latest reports.
“Huge disappointment, but I am not privy to the facts,” he said.
“People are keen to jump to conclusions but a senior civil servant will have a stringent look at the details and facts and will report accordingly.”
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