Thank you for your email about the recent events in Downing Street which have been reported on by the media. The Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Cressida Dick, has confirmed that the Police are investigating some matters referred to them by Sue Gray.
The Prime Minister has accepted Sue Gray’s recommendations regarding the learning that must be drawn from these events, and has announced that changes will be made to how both Downing Street and the Cabinet Office are run. As I understand it, this will see the creation of an Office of the Prime Minister, with a Permanent Secretary amongst other changes. Further, the Civil Service and Special Adviser codes of conduct will be reviewed to ensure they take account of Sue Gray’s recommendations.
Although we have had Sue Gray’s “update” , I am going to wait until we have the full information from Sue Gray and an indication of what action the Metropolitan Police are taking before I arrive at any final conclusions.
I am continuing with my work in Meon Valley and at Westminster, and responding to the large number of constituent requests for help which always come in to MPs. I am mindful of the distress and hardship people have gone through during the pandemic, and I have read every email and letter which has come to me about this issue carefully. I look forward to these investigations concluding their work so that we have clarity on the way forward.
