Enlarge image
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson
Photo: CARL RECINE / AFP
According to a media report, Boris Johnson gains insight into an internal investigation report before the police question the British head of government about lockdown parties.
This is reported by the broadcaster ITV, which quotes from a letter from the top official Sue Gray.
She had interviewed witnesses for weeks and collected photos and notes about the parties.
"Given the special circumstances of the events, I have exceptionally decided that individuals will be granted limited access to the notes," the letter said, according to ITV.
Access to the notes, the letter goes on to say, should apply not only to Johnson but also to other Downing Street workers.
According to the broadcaster, the fact that Johnson and others gain advance insight could give them decisive advantages.
They could formulate their answers to the police questions in such a way that they only state what the police already know.
Officer Gray had handed her evidence over to the Metropolitan Police, who are still investigating the allegedly illegal Downing Street parties.
The police then sent questionnaires to around 50 employees at Downing Street, which had to be answered truthfully within a week.
They are considered a legal document.
Anyone who gives untrue answers is liable to prosecution.
more on the subject
"Partygate" in Great Britain: Premier Johnson receives questionnaires from the police
Battle for Downing Street:Johnson loved for his mistakes, Johnson hated for his mistakesBy Joerg Schindler, London
"Partygate": Why Boris Johnson is still in officeAn analysis by Jörg Schindler and Fabian Pieper (video).
According to the BBC, Prime Minister Johnson has until 10pm local time on Friday to return his questionnaire.
However, it could be a few days or weeks before the police investigation is completed.
Johnson, who has come under pressure because of several parties at his official residence during the corona lockdown and his handling of it, is still threatened with a vote of no confidence.
A number of MPs from his party have already publicly called for his resignation, while others want to await the police investigation.
If at least 54 Tory MPs vote no confidence in him, there would be a vote of no confidence.
mfh/dpa