Following the publication of Sue Gray's report, local MP Maria Miller said,
" It is extremely disappointing that Sue Gray has not been able to provide a 'meaningful report' because of the Metropolitan Police's investigations. This report was commissioned by the Prime Minister on 8th December, almost two months ago, but now because of Police investigations, no details of the events in question can be included. People are rightly frustrated, and I urge the Police to complete their work so that all the facts can be made public.
"We should not lose sight of the findings that are in this interim report. Sue Gray has been able to set out significant short comings in the oversight of work done in Number Ten; specifically, a culture of 'excessive consumption of alcohol not appropriate in a professional workplace at any time' ; the use of the Prime Ministers private garden 'for gatherings without clear authorisation or oversight'; and the lack of a clear process for staff to report poor conduct where they witness it; systemic shortcomings in the way in which Government operates that are deeply concerning. In response the Prime Minister has announced the creation of a new Government Department called the 'Office of the Prime Minister' with a Permanent Secretary to be clearly responsible for those who work at Number ten and to improve the accountability to Parliament. These are significant and overdue changes in the way Government works.
"The Prime Minister has again rightly apologised to the nation. People made extraordinary sacrifices throughout the pandemic, and it is crucial that anyone who broke the rules is subject to the sanctions agreed by Parliament."
