The long-awaited final report on ‘partygate’, the scandal surrounding illegal parties at the British Prime Minister’s office during lockdowns, was published on Wednesday afternoon. Top government official Sue Gray’s report contains little news, but the details do paint a clear picture of an excessive culture at 10 Downing Street.
The parties should not have taken place, Gray writes. That is paramount. The final report also contains many descriptions of how these meetings went. They show an outrageous and hierarchical culture at 10 Downing Street. Think red wine on the walls, a swing that broke, employees going home late at night and getting sick from excessive alcohol consumption.
The report holds senior officials accountable for this culture. For example, their presence at the illegal parties at 10 Downing Street was seen by lower-ranking employees as a justification for their own presence. Employees who were concerned about workplace behavior often felt they were unable to address it. According to Gray, there are also several examples of disrespectful behavior towards cleaning and security personnel.
Sixteen events investigated
Top civil servant Gray investigated 16 events and published all of her critical findings in January, pointing to “failed leadership and judgment”. But the full report was withheld due to the ongoing police investigation. So far, 126 fines have been handed out to government employees, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Finance Minister Rishi Sunak. They were at a birthday gathering for Johnson in 2020. At that time, it was not allowed to gather in large groups.
The alcohol consumption at the parties at 10 Downing Street was so excessive that Gray proposes in her report that a general guideline be drawn up on alcohol consumption in the workplace. The guideline should apply to every government department.
Strong criticism of Downing Street culture
The final report has already led to strong criticism of Johnson and senior officials. For example, Labor Vice-President Angela Rayner wrote that the Prime Minister has turned Downing Street into a private club with vomit stains on the walls.
Johnson says he has learned his lesson
In response to the report, Johnson told parliament he would take “full responsibility” for “everything that went on under his supervision”. The British Prime Minister says he feels humiliated. Johnson also said he has learned his lesson.
Labor MP Chris Bryant calls Johnson’s statement nonsense. Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood has called the report “scathing”. He wondered aloud how long his colleagues would be willing to support Johnson. He also asked Johnson if he could name another prime minister who would have tolerated such behaviour.