A HAMPSHIRE MP has condemned "indefensible behaviour at the heart of government" following the publication of Sue Gray's report into the Partygate scandal.

Julian Lewis, Conservative member for New Forest East, said everyone involved in the lockdown-busting events described in the report "must carefully consider what to do next".

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has faced fresh demands to resign since senior civil servant Ms Gray revealed her findings.

Daily Echo: New Forest East MP Julian Lewis has condemned "indefensible behaviour at the heart of government".New Forest East MP Julian Lewis has condemned "indefensible behaviour at the heart of government". (Image: Sir Julian Lewis)

The 37-page document describes Covid breaches at which officials drank so much they were sick, sang karaoke and abused security staff at a time when millions of people across the country were unable to see friends and family.


READ MORE: Sue Gray sets out rationale for publishing only official photographs in her report


Dr Lewis said: "This indefensible behaviour at the heart of government was utterly unnecessary."

Referring to Mr Johnson he added: "Everybody who took part, of whom he was one, must carefully consider what to do next."

Alan Whitehead, Labour MP for Southampton Test, accused Mr Johnson of treating the sacrifices of the British people with contempt and again urged him to resign.

Paul Holmes, Tory MP for Eastleigh, described the behaviour of political leaders and officials as unacceptable.

He added: "It is clear that the culture needs to change and I like other colleagues will be looking at the report over the weekend and thinking about where the party needs to go next."

Flick Drummond, Tory MP for the Meon Valley, said she was "very unhappy" with what had taken place at Downing Street.

Daily Echo: Meon Valley MP Flick Drummond.Meon Valley MP Flick Drummond.

She added: "This sort of behaviour from officials and the descriptions of raucous parties is unacceptable. I hope everyone has learned their lesson.

"We now need to move on, with the Prime Minister at the helm. There are many pressing issues to focus on both at home and abroad."

Royston Smith, Tory MP for Southampton Itchen, added: "Rules in the office complex, referred to as Number 10, were broken.

"The Prime Minister was implicated believing that thanking someone for their service qualified as a work event. Both Sue Gray and the Metropolitan Police found that to be the case.

"People were calling for the Prime Minister to go long before any enquiries were even begun and no doubt will continue to do so.

"What I want us to do is get on with helping my constituents with the cost of living and levelling up our country.”

Caroline Nokes, Tory MP for Romsey and Southampton North, took part in Tuesday's Panorama programme about Partygate. She said: "I feel the Prime Minister has let down my constituents."

Mr Johnson told the Commons: "I accept full responsibility for my failings. I am humbled by the whole experience. We have learned our lesson."

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