Mon 31 January 2022:
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said “sorry” after Sue Gray’s report on “partygate” found “serious failure” in observing “high standards expected of those working at the heart of government.”
The parties in the British prime minister’s offices have caused an outcry as leaders have called for Johnson’s resignation in the last fortnight as leaked images and emails indicated open breaches of the government’s social distance regulations imposed during the country’s lockdown.
Sue Gray report
British civil servant Sue Gray in her report said the UK government’s “gatherings” represented “a serious failure” in observing high standards expected from those at the heart of the government.
Gray said there were “failures of leadership” pointing at PM Johnson since the events “should not have been allowed to take place.”
“Other events should not have been allowed to develop as they did,” the report added.
Professional workplace practices
Gray slammed the Johnson government’s approach towards excessive consumption of alcohol while adding that there should be a “clear and robust policy in place covering the consumption of alcohol in the workplace.”
The report said the garden at 10 Downing Street should be used only by the prime minister and private residents, however, it was being being used as “an extension of the workplace” during Covid time fulfilling the role of a ventilated space. The report said the gatherings were without “clear authorisation” or “oversight”.
Gray added that official access to the garden should be “by invitation only” and must be held in a “controlled environment”.
Key outcomes:
The report said the “significant learning” should be “addressed immediately across the government” and that the Johnson government should not wait for the police investigations to conclude.
It pointed out that some staffers had raised concerns about behaviours they had witnessed at work but felt unable to report. Gray said no member should “feel unable to report or challenge poor conduct”. The report called for easier ways for staff to raise concerns informally “outside the line management chain”.
What did PM Johnson say?
PM Johnson addressing lawmakers said, “first I want to say sorry, sorry for the way this matter has been handled,” adding, “This pandemic was hard for everyone and people were asked to make various sacrifices; I can understand the anger of the people.”
Gray had reportedly interviewed over 70 people in nearly 16 events held in 2020.
“I have apologised several times, I would suggest to wait for the investigation report,” Johnson said, adding, “We should focus on the real issues that matter to the British people.”
SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES
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