Related video: Speaker tells MP not to raise Boris Johnson’s comments about Muslims in parliament
Boris Johnson could seek to reshuffle his ministers in July should he survive the Partygate scandal, with one well-placed MP telling The Independent: “Boris is someone who rewards loyalty and there are a lot of people who very noticeably failed to show it.”
Those supportive of the prime minister believe the delay in publishing Sue Gray’s final report into lockdown-busting events at No 10 has helped divert attention away from the campaign to oust him – and that he will survive a confidence vote by MPs, even if he is fined by police.
It comes as it was revealed that a Metropolitan Police officer responded to a silent alarm accidentally set off during one of the No 10 parties, but failed to take any action. Deputy Met Commissioner Steve House told the London Assembly police committee that an officer involved in the incident “has been spoken to” as part of the ongoing probe.
Asked why the officers assigned to protect Downing Street had not prevented alleged lawbreaking, Sir Steve said: “If we find officers knew what was going on and should have intervened we will follow up on that.”
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