LONDON (Parliament Politics Magazine): Some in Downing Street are concerned that the senior civil servant’s report may discover embarrassing material and will be published as soon as Monday.
Rebel, according to sources, Tory MPs known as the “pork pie plotters” are considering releasing a covertly recorded “heated” session with government chief whip Mark Spencer as well as text messages.
It comes as the Prime Minister indicated the day before that he had seen no proof to support claims that Conservative MPs seeking his resignation had been pressured by party officials.
It comes as speculation grows inside 10 Downing Street that former pub landlady Sue Gray, in her Whitehall report on partygate, may call time on Boris Johnson.
Sky News understands that there is concern at Number 10 over the contents of the top civil servant’s report on the Downing Street parties, which some MPs believe will be released as soon as Monday.
But, as he faces more demands for a confidence vote from Conservative MPs when the report is released, Mr Johnson’s closest allies think he can weather the storm.
However, Sky News has heard that the mood in Whitehall is deteriorating, and some insiders feel the PM may find it difficult to respond to the report’s concerns.
Although his supporters deny this, they acknowledge that they won’t know until the report is released, at which point Mr Johnson has agreed to make a Commons statement to MPs.
After a break in their effort to send letters to Sir Graham Brady, 1922 Committee chairman requesting a confidence vote, the PM’s foes predict that more rebellious MPs are ready to strike after the publishing of the report.
During a press appearance in Sydney, Australia, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss reaffirmed her support for Mr Johnson.
Ms Truss, when asked about the partygate scandal, said: “The prime minister has my 100% support. He is doing an excellent job. I want the prime minister to continue as long as possible and he is doing a fantastic job.”
