UK political life: Inquiry into No. 10 ceremony to include departure where Boris Johnson gave the speech | Policy

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Michael Ellis, director of public payroll in the Cabinet Office, responds to UQ on the No. 10 party investigation.

He repeats the point Boris Johnson made in PMQs yesterday when he said he was shocked by the number 10 video of his Christmas party.

He said the prime minister had been repeatedly assured that there was no party and the Covid rules had not been broken.

But he says the government is aware of the public concern and dissatisfaction with this, as it appears that the people who make the rules have not followed them.

He says the terms of reference for the investigation by Simon Case, Cabinet Secretary, will be published today.

He says Case will investigate three gatherings: two in Downing Street, on November 27 and December 18, and one at the Education Department, on December 10.

(This is a progression yesterday, when Number 10 initially indicated that only the December 18 event would be investigated. But it also means that several other parties, or party-type events were not investigated. See here, or the post at 9.28 a.m.).

He says Case will investigate what happened at these gatherings, and whether disciplinary action is needed.

If evidence of a criminal offense emerges, it will be referred to the police, and the Cabinet Office investigation will be paused.

He says all ministers, officials and special advisors are expected to cooperate.

He says the results will be published.

However, on priority, details of any disciplinary action relating to individuals will not be made public.

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