Fears of Sue Gray 'whitewash' as Met Police ask for details of Downing Street parties to be removed
28.01.2022 - 14:47
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
Demands are growing for the publication of the entire Sue Gray 'partygate' report amid claims that police interference in the process will lead to a whitewash.
There has been a furious political reaction to the news that Scotland Yard has asked the senior civil servant to make “minimal reference” to the Downing Street parties it is investigating in her highly-anticipated report.
The Metropolitan Police said it had not asked for the probe to be delayed but demanded anything that could “prejudice” its inquiries be stripped out.
This means key details could be removed about events the police are examining - or the report could be delayed while the force conducts its inquiries.
Downing Street had not received the report on Friday morning as Boris Johnson waits for findings that could determine his political future.
Alistair Carmichael MP, the Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson, said any delay or redactions would stink of a cover-up..
The Orkney and Shetland MP said: “Any appearance of an establishment stitch-up between the Met Commissioner and the Government is profoundly damaging. "
“That’s why we called for the police to investigate Number 10 weeks ago and put this whole sorry business behind us, instead of waiting for Sue Gray.
He added: “The Sue Gray report must be published in full, including all photos, text messages and other evidence. If it is redacted now, a full, unredacted version must be published as soon as the police investigation is complete.”
SNP Westminster Leader Ian Blackford MP also demanded maximum transparency.
He said: “This cannot be another Whitewall whitewash. The Sue Gray report must be published in full and undoctored without further delay. This UK Government farce has gone on long enough.
“Peopl