Boris Johnson is under growing pressure to explain the meeting with Sue Gray before reporting her lockdown violations in Downing Street, after Cabinet minister declined deny that he asked if it was should be published.
Report expected to be transmitted No. 10 on Sources say Wednesday is deep critical of in prime minister and senior civil service leadership over a culture that developed in No. 10 and eventually led the Metropolitan Police to issue 126 fines.
Further pressure was piled up on Johnson on Monday night after a photo was posted of Johnson raising his glass in farewell. in No. 10 – en event for which others were fined but not prime minister.
No. 10 admitted on Monday what a meeting with Gray before her report was called in prime minister request despite ministers saying otherwise in morning interviews.
The Times reported that during the meeting, Johnson wondered if the report was should be published, taking into account the most of in information was already in in public domain.
Speaking on On Tuesday morning, Grant Shapps did not deny reports that Johnson wondered if it was worth general publication of the report. He said: “I was not in room so I don’t know this is the case. Exactly what was discussed, I don’t know.
“Sometimes there are reports that are not entirely accurate. The public service was there to do sure that all the correct processes have been followed, so I have no special reason for caring for two of their meeting.”
Shapps, the transport secretary, said he thought the photos obtained by ITV News had not changed what public already knew about the meeting. “I do not think that fact of Paintings, us seeing them for in first time, changes that the police and Sue Gray already know.
“I see it red box eat it work box it seems to me like he’s coming down on his way out of in office and thanks the staff and raises a glass, and doesn’t in his mind recognizes it as party. And indeed the police looked into it and spent a lot of time and resources.”
However, those present say that it was instigated by Johnson, who gathered the staff around, poured drinks and made speech for his departure head of communications, Lee Kane – although the staff in Press office already It was regular Friday wine. Members said Johnson stayed for up up to 25 minutes.
The Guardian understands details have been handed over to police of leaving drinks and circumstances of Johnson’s presence.
Shapps said he couldn’t deny that the photos “were very hard to take” but said that Johnson “exploded”. down there raise a glass and say thank you long-term member of staff who is leaving.”
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He added: “I couldn’t see my father for four months during this period because he was in hospital and we thought we lost him in one dot.”
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, police said should explain why they didn’t fine Johnson for in event – and said that there are questions over did he mislead parliament.
“I saw a photograph of Boris Johnson raises a glass, obviously bottles of wine is lying around, others with wine in their hand on the day he said in house of Commons and I’m talking like former deputy and me know Importance of do not lie or mislead in house of Commons that was not party,” he said.
“Sue Gray will publish her report this week and of certainly prime minister have to answer for myself, but I think the police should explain why they came to these conclusions and provide that clarity.”
