Sue Gray report 'could be released tonight' despite Met Police investigation - reports

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Sue Gray's full report into the alleged parties held at Downing Street during lockdown could be published as soon as tomorrow, according to reports.

It was earlier suggested that the report would be delayed after the Met Police confirmed it was investigating a number of the events concerned.

However, the Mirror reports that sources have told the paper Downing Street is now expecting to receive the report at some point tonight (Tuesday, January 25).

If No 10 receive the report tonight, it would likely be published tomorrow.

There were concerns that civil servant Ms Gray would have to pause parts of the inquiry while the police investigated allegations of rule-breaking, which would either delay the publication of the final report, or split it in two with only some parts published ahead.

It is now understood that after talks between the Cabinet Office and Scotland Yard, it has been decided that Ms Gray's report can still be released.

A government source told the Mirror that No 10 getting hold of Sue Gray’s report "could happen as quickly" as today if there are no major obstacles.

If so, the report could be published on Wednesday just before PMQs, the source said.

The Prime Minister’s spokesperson said he was aware of “speculation” that Scotland Yard is not objecting to the publication of the report, but played down the idea that the report was ready for publication.

“The advice that I have had is that there are still ongoing discussions, there are still details that need to be worked through between both the police and the investigations team,” the spokesperson said.

Decisions on publication were a matter for the Cabinet Office and police, they said, adding: "We are not, as in No 10, seeking to block that in any way”.

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