[Jimbuna]

There is confusion over when Sue Gray's report into No 10 lockdown parties will be published after a statement from the police on their investigation.

The Met said on Friday it had asked for "minimal reference" in the report to events they are investigating to avoid prejudicing its inquiries.

Many in the Cabinet Office, where Ms Gray is based, were taken by surprise by the Met's statement, sources say.

The report was due to be sent to Downing Street this week.

Boris Johnson's premiership is potentially at stake, as Conservative MPs wait to see the outcome of Ms Gray's inquiry before deciding to call for a vote of no confidence in him.

In a statement on Friday morning, the Met said: "For the events the Met is investigating, we asked for minimal reference to be made in the Cabinet Office report.

"The Met did not ask for any limitations on other events in the report, or for the report to be delayed, but we have had ongoing contact with the Cabinet Office, including on the content of the report, to avoid any prejudice to our investigation."

It is unclear what the police investigation means for the timing of the report, how much detail will be included or whether it will now be published at all.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-60166997

Fast turning into a pantomime now.