The anticipated results of a civil investigation into British officials’ lockdown festivities were published Monday in a watered-down report due to a parallel investigation by British police.
Civil servant Sue Gray’s 12-page report found “failures of leadership and judgment” in Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s administration regarding parties and events hosted at 10 Downing Street during the height of pandemic restrictions.
“Some of the events should not have been allowed to take place. Other events should not have been allowed to develop as they did,” the report said. “At least some of the gatherings in question represent a serious failure to observe not just the high standards expected of those working at the heart of Government but also of the standards expected of the entire British population at the time.”
Gray investigated 16 different gatherings, mostly at 10 Downing Street, between May 2020 and April 2021. Several of these violations are now under police investigation, which could result in fines for the attendees.
“Against the backdrop of the pandemic, when the Government was asking citizens to accept far-reaching restrictions on their lives, some of the behaviour surrounding these gatherings is difficult to justify,” Gray reported.
Gray also said there appeared to be a culture of excessive drinking in the administration, claiming the level of consumption was not appropriate for a workplace.
The investigation began Dec. 17 and gathered information from more than 70 interviews, as well as emails, texts, and visitor logs.
Johnson apologized for his behavior and for his staff during a speech before parliament Monday amid calls for his resignation.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
“I want to say sorry,” Johnson said. “I’m sorry for the things we simply didn’t get right. This pandemic was hard for everyone … I understand the anger that people feel.”
Some members of Johnson’s conservative party were waiting for the investigation results before signing letters that would trigger a “vote of no confidence” among the party. A total of 54 votes would be needed to remove Johnson from office.
