A Tory minister said he is "too busy" to speak on Good Morning Britain today - a day after Sue Gray's report into lockdown breaking parties was published.
Steve Barclay, Minister for the Cabinet Office, is doing the media rounds on behalf of the government today but seems to have skipped the ITV slot.
The Tory MP for North East Cambridgeshire was due to appear at 8.30am on GMB 's regular time for government ministers, however despite appearing on other media outlets he said he was not available to ITV.
It comes less than 24 hours after the publication of the Sue Gray report which revealed the extent of covid rule breaking in Downing Street and Whitehall during lockdown.
The report was highly critical of the drinking culture with some parties lasting until the early hours with people being sick and fighting.
GMB host Kate Garraway said: "Coming up, we're going to be joined by Labour's Lisa Nandy.
"We would love to speak to Stephen Barclay, Downing Street chief of staff.
"He is the man - the government minister - we normally speak to them around 8.30.
"He's too busy this morning, we don't know why.
"The chair is there for you Mr Barclay if you want to go and sit in it, we'd love to talk to you and hear all your points."
Fellow host Ben Shephard added: "We'll squeeze you in because of course, undoubtedly, our viewers and everyone at home will want to hear your points, especially today of all days."
The Sue Gray report also revealed that some staff In Downing Street were disrespectful to cleaners and security staff.
Barclay said Boris Johnson has apologised to "all the staff affected" during partygate, including the cleaning staff.
He told Sky News: "He went and apologised to staff, obviously (there are) the shift rotas, so it's a question of which staff were in the building yesterday."
Questioned if Johnson had sought out the cleaning staff specifically, Barclay said: "He has gone out to seek out staff to do that. He came to the House as well in terms of colleagues.
"And it's why he's made so many changes in response, and Sue Gray recognises those changes in the report."
To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, click here.
