The government was handed over the partially censored report earlier Monday and made it public a few hours later. Johnson will make a statement in parliament later in the afternoon. London Police, who are also investigating the meetings, have asked that details from Gray’s report be withheld so that the police investigation can be conducted without prejudice.
The findings could land Johnson in serious trouble and possibly even force him to resign. Some party members have already indicated that he must leave. Under his Conservative Party rules, 15 percent (54 out of 359) of deputies must request a leadership vote from the party board. If more than half subsequently vote to resign, Johnson’s premiership comes to an end and another conservative becomes prime minister.
Johnson himself previously said that the corona rules were observed during the meetings, although he has expressed regret. He has talked to many parliamentarians of his party before and will address them on Monday evening.