Gray report reveals exchanges showing how staff planned events – and, in some cases, were clearly aware that what they were doing was wrong
The Sue Gray report is neutrally written, but several elements show that Downing Street staff knew at the time of social events during lockdown that these were not necessarily a good idea:
Just to flag that the press conference will probably be finishing around that time, so helpful if people can be mindful of that as speakers and cameras are leaving, not walking around waving bottles of wine etc.
Will do my best!….
“Best of luck – a complete non story but better than them focusing on our drinks (which we seem to have got away with).
“I’m not sure it works at all to be honest, which would be a shame. I don’t see how we can have some kind of party though … I think it’s your decision my friend, not mind [sic]! But it obviously comes with rather substantial comms risks.”
£5 or so from everyone who wants to contribute would be fab – thanks team … Looking forward to a chilled WTF next week … depending on how full it gets we can put Friday’s cheese in there.
The events that I investigated were attended by leaders in government. Many of these events should not have been allowed to happen. It is also the case that some of the more junior civil servants believed that their involvement in some of these events was permitted given the attendance of senior leaders. The senior leadership at the centre, both political and official, must bear responsibility for this culture.
