UK civil servant in charge of PM's lockdown party probe steps down

LONDON (BLOOMBERG) - The civil servant spearheading the investigation into whether the British Prime Minister's office and other government departments hosted parties that broke lockdown rules last year has stepped back from the role, following reports that he hosted a similar event at the time.

In a statement late Friday (Dec 17), Downing Street said Mr Simon Case had recused himself from the process to "ensure the ongoing investigation retains public confidence".

Ms Sue Gray, a senior civil servant at the government's housing department, will now lead the inquiry.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson requested investigations of three alleged events when the country was under strict lockdown restrictions in the run-up to Christmas last year: A reported event for an aide on Nov 27, a confirmed gathering at the Department for Education on Dec 10, and a party in No. 10 on Dec 18.

Covid-19 pandemic rules in place at the time stated: "Although there are exemptions for work purposes, you must not have a work Christmas lunch or party, where that is a primarily social activity."

According to media reports, a virtual quiz was held on Dec 17, 2020, for members of Mr Case's private office.

Mr Case's resignation represents another embarrassment for Mr Johnson's government, a day after voters in a rural constituency handed his Conservative Party a resounding defeat in a special election in what was effectively a verdict on weeks of turmoil within Downing Street.

Mr Johnson announced the probe less than two weeks ago, after a video surfaced of No. 10 officials laughing and joking about a separate Christmas party said to have taken place a day later.

Mr Johnson has said he did not break any rules regarding the social gatherings.

When establishing the inquiry, he said the government would comply with any necessary police investigation.