Boris Johnson and Sue Gray clashed over a controversial “secret meeting” between the couple, just days before her report on the Partygate scandal.
The team of the senior civil servant is angry with the statement under number 10 that she initiated the gathering and that it focuses on whether some of the 300 photos of the blocking parties should be included in her report.
A spokesman for Gray’s investigation rejected both proposals and denied that the meeting was for her “to clarify her intentions” for publication after the police investigation was over.
The emergency war, with a briefing, will increase pressure on Downing Street to explain why the meeting was held at all, regarding an investigation she calls “completely independent.”
Labor has warned that what they call a “secret meeting” will further damage the credibility of the scandal investigation, while Liberal Democrats have expressed fears of “stitching”.
The prime minister is among about 30 people to whom Ms. Gray said the report is likely to include their names – with a deadline of Sunday night for them to object.
The release is expected on Tuesday or Wednesday, after the Sofia police announced that they have completed their investigation with a total of 126 fines imposed on 83 people.
No. 10 suggested the meeting – about a month ago – discuss whether the photos handed over to the Metropolitan Probe should be included in Ms. Gray’s report.
This was rejected by Gray’s team, which is surprised that Downing Street has tried to give the impression that it has initiated the negotiations, according to The Independent.
Mr Johnson said he wanted as much information as possible to be disclosed, but № 10 said data protection requirements may require some to be detained.
It is said that the issue of releasing the photos is “live” – but they will probably be asked by the municipal investigation into whether the prime minister lied to deputies regardless.
Angela Raynor, the Labor’s deputy leader, said: “Boris Johnson urgently needs to explain why he held a secret meeting with Sue Gray to discuss her report, although he says her investigation was completely independent.
“Public confidence in the process has been exhausted and people deserve to know the truth. Sue Gray’s report must be published in full and with all the supporting evidence.
Christine Jardin, a spokeswoman for the Liberal Democrats’ finance ministry, said: This meeting needs to be explained. “
A spokesman for number 10 said: “The prime minister did not ask for the meeting and did not try to influence the outcome anyway. It’s right for Sue to decide and everything is done independently. “
However, the wording of the statement seems to leave open that the meeting was requested by an employee of Downing Street, if not by the Prime Minister himself.
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