'Partygate' report finds 'failures of leadership and judgement' by UK leaders
The initial findings of a long-awaited investigative report into lockdown-breaching parties allegedly attended by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his staff were published Monday, saying "there were failures of leadership and judgement."
The probe led by senior civil servant Sue Gray looked into claims that Johnson and his staff flouted COVID-19 restrictions they imposed on England in 2020 and 2021 by holding parties at 10 Downing Street, his official residence and office in London. Johnson has been facing growing anger and calls for his resignation over the allegations, which are also being investigated by London's Metropolitan Police Service.
"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 wrote in the 12-page report, which included two blank pages. "At times it seems there was too little thought given to what was happening across the country in considering the appropriateness of some of these gatherings, the risks they presented to public health and how they might appear to the public.
"There were failures of leadership and judgment by different parts of No. 10 and the Cabinet Office at different times," she added. "Some of the events should not have been allowed to take place. Other events should not have been allowed to develop as they did."
A spokesperson for the Cabinet Office told ABC News in a statement earlier Monday that Gray "has provided an update on her investigation to the Prime Minister."
Johnson is expected to address members of Parliament during Monday afternoon's session.