PM ‘wants No10 party photos published’
BORIS JOHNSON wants Sue Gray to publish photographs of illicit gatherings in Downing Street to dispel the idea that No10 was “like Ibiza on a Saturday night” during lockdowns, The Sunday Telegraph understands.
A friend of the Prime Minister said Mr Johnson had made it clear he would welcome the publication of photos acquired by Ms Gray’s inquiry into alleged Covid rule breaches.
It is understood Ms Gray is preparing to publish photos illustrating the “narrative” of her report on the gatherings held at No 10 and showing the scale of events.
Mr Johnson is expected to receive the final report later this week and it will be released shortly afterwards – but allowing those named in the report to review its contents may delay its release.
Meanwhile, this newspaper understands that at least one ministerial aide on the privileges committee, which will examine whether Mr Johnson misled the Commons over the parties, is planning to quit his government role in order to remain on the panel.
The friend said of Mr Johnson: “He takes a maximalist position that Sue Gray should publish whatever she deems necessary to satisfy the public that these matters have been thoroughly investigated and any useful lessons drawn.
“In the public imagination, for some at least, this was like Ibiza on a Saturday night in July. The publication of any photos would probably be a big help in introducing reality into the mix.”
Ms Gray’s team in the Cabinet Office gave Scotland Yard detectives investigating partygate more than 300 photos.
Responding to rumours that photos showed Mr Johnson pouring a drink at one event, the friend said: “Even if there was a picture of him pouring a drink, we don’t live in Saudi Arabia and a drink is not against the law, including Covid guidelines.” Last week, the Met concluded its investigation after giving 126 fixed penalty notices, including one to Mr Johnson for an event on his 56th birthday.
The three government aides on the privileges committee, including Laura Farris and Alberto Costa, are believed to have been advised by Commons officials that they cannot keep their posts in Whitehall if they take part in the inquiry into Mr Johnson’s conduct.
Andy Carter, a parliamentary private secretary at the Department for Work and Pensions, is said to have decided to leave his role to remain on the panel.