A senior civil servant questioned whether Boris Johnson should say COVID guidance had been followed at all times in Downing Street, according to new evidence published by MPs investigating whether he lied over partygate.
In written evidence from Martin Reynolds, the former principal private secretary, he said he questioned whether it was"realistic" to make this claim, given the nature of the working environment in No 10.
He said he asked Mr Johnson about the line proposed for PMQs on 7 December, adding:"He did not welcome the interruption but told me that he had received reassurances that the comms event was within the rules. I accepted this but questioned whether it was realistic to argue that all guidance had been followed at all times, given the nature of the working environment in No 10.
But they have criticised the fact that not all of the evidence Mr Johnson wanted published has gone into the bundle.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Boris Johnson comeback would badly damage Tory party's election chances, polling expert saysTory peer Lord Hayward said the party had marginally improved its poll ratings under Sunak and that bringing back Johnson as leader would seem like an 'utter joke' to voters
Read more »
What's in the Boris Johnson Partygate dossier as ex-PM prepares to give evidenceBoris Johnson is expected to hand a 50-page dossier to the Privileges Committee with evidence he claims shows he did not mislead Parliament over ‘Partygate’ ⬇️ eleanormia explains:
Read more »
5 Partygate danger points for Rishi Sunak as Boris Johnson's evidence dossier to be releasedAs Boris Johnson fights for his political life this week, Rishi Sunak may also be looking nervously over his shoulder ⚠️ Here are five Partygate danger points for Rishi Sunak, explained by HugoGye
Read more »
Boris Johnson and partygate: Why is the former PM giving evidence and to who?Boris Johnson will be grilled by the Privileges Committee on Wednesday to defend himself against claims that he lied to Parliament over the partygate scandal.
Read more »
Boris Johnson's Partygate defence may not be published today as mystery surrounds handoverThe 50-page dossier of evidence Boris Johnson will use in his defence against allegations he misled parliament over Partygate has not yet been handed over to the Privileges Committee, theipaper understands
Read more »
Boris Johnson submits defence over claims he misled Parliament over PartygateBoris Johnson has submitted his defence in the inquiry over whether he lied to Parliament over Partygate.
Read more »