Boris Johnson will “absolutely co-operate” with any requests from the Metropolitan Police inquiry into alleged Downing Avenue events, together with by being interviewed by officers or handing over paperwork, No 10 has stated.
The prime minister’s official spokesperson stated Mr Johnson thinks it’s “completely proper” for the Met to look into allegations of breaches of lockdown guidelines at No 10 and believes the investigation will present “readability” and draw a line below the controversy.
And requested if the PM believed he had damaged the legislation, the spokesperson replied: “He doesn’t.”
The prime minister was knowledgeable of the plan to launch a police investigation shortly earlier than it was introduced by Commissioner Cressida Dick to the London Meeting, stated the spokesperson.
However Mr Johnson didn’t inform ministers gathered at No 10 for the weekly assembly of cupboard, which started earlier than Dame Cressida’s bombshell announcement.
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As an alternative he alluded briefly to his dedication that the federal government shouldn’t be “deterred from getting on with the job” by the controversy over events.
Downing Avenue stated that Whitehall mandarin Sue Grey will pause her investigation into these occasions being seemed into by police, however will proceed her work on different allegations not deemed to benefit legal investigation.
She can be free to publish a report on these allegations when she is prepared to take action, however can’t resume work on the occasions being thought of by the Met till the police investigation is over.
Mr Johnson’s spokesperson stated that everybody at No 10 will “absolutely co-operate in any method they’re requested to” by police. He stated this would come with the PM being interviewed or handing over paperwork, diaries or cell phones.
Requested if Mr Johnson thinks he has not damaged the legislation, his spokesperson stated: “I should be cautious about what I say however I feel that’s truthful to say that he doesn’t.”
Mr Johnson’s spokesperson stated: “The Prime Minister thinks it’s completely proper for the police to analyze these issues.
“He commissioned the Cupboard Workplace to determine the details and, as set out within the printed phrases of reference, and because the Commissioner has stated this morning, the impartial course of has at all times concerned the sharing of knowledge with the Met and the power for the Met to take ahead and examine issues pertaining to the legislation, as is correct.
“The PM absolutely acknowledges the general public’s anger and concern about what has been reported, he has taken accountability for his judgments made and it’s proper the Met needs to be now given the time and area to undertake their investigations.
“It should present the general public with welcome readability and assist draw a line below these occasions and everybody required will absolutely co-operate in any method they’re requested.”
