Below I outline my position in relation to the Prime Minister and the parties that took place at 10 Downing Street during the pandemic. 

Last month in responding to constituents, I acknowledged the widespread anger about these events. Many constituents outlined how they themselves had made enormous sacrifices when lockdown restrictions were in place. They are entitled to expect those making the rules to adhere to them as well. 

Until now, I have referred to Sue Gray’s inquiry and the need to await its outcome before reaching a final conclusion, though I expressed the opinion that I could not see how the report could exonerate the Prime Minister and alleviate public anger. I added that if he was either found to have actively misled Parliament or if he faced criminal sanction (or both), then he should resign.  

Sue Gray’s report has now been received and I summarise its findings as follows:- 

1. Due to the ongoing Metropolitan Police investigation, the report is described as an “update” and is not the final version report. 
2. She has considered twelve events, of which eight are now being investigated by the Police. 
3. Sue Gray acknowledges that due to this investigation, at this stage she is not able to provide a meaningful report, setting out and analysing all the information that she has gathered. Notwithstanding this, she has decided to publish this update due to the widespread public interest and to avoid further delay. 
4. She has reached seven conclusions, which I outline as follows:- 

A] Against the backdrop of the pandemic, some of the behaviour surrounding these events is difficult to justify. 

B] Some of the gatherings represent a serious failure to observe not just the high standards expected of those working at the heart of Government, but also of the standards expected of the entire British population. 

C] Some of the events should not have taken place and others should not have been allowed to develop as they did. 

D] The excessive consumption of alcohol is not appropriate in a professional workplace at any time. 

E] The use of the garden at No 10 Downing Street should be primarily for the Prime Minister and the private residents of Nos 10 and 11 Downing Street, though during the pandemic it was appropriate to use it as an extension of the workplace, though this should have been by invitation only and in a controlled environment. 

F] Some staff had concerns about the behaviour that they witnessed, but at times they felt unable to raise them. 

G] The staff working at No 10 Downing Street has steadily increased in recent years and the necessary structures to support the smooth operation of the office are not in place and this should be addressed as a priority. 

In his Statement to the House of Commons on Monday afternoon, the Prime Minister apologized and accepted in full both Sue Gray’s findings and recommendations. He undertook to make changes to the way that Downing Street and the Cabinet Office run, to review the Civil Service and Special Advisers’ codes of conduct and to improve the working operations of No 10 and the Cabinet Office, so as to strengthen Cabinet Government and to improve the connection between No 10 and Parliament.  

Since my previous correspondence there have been other developments which are ​relevant, and I outline these as follows:-  

1. As mentioned, the Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation into eight events, looking into “potential breaches of COVID-19 regulations 2020”. There is the possibility of the Prime Minister being interviewed by the police, possibly under caution, and the investigation could drag on for some time as the police collate evidence and interview witnesses. 
2. The threat of a Russian invasion of Ukraine has increased. Thus, some take the view that now is not the right time for a change of Prime Minister, whilst others argue that the Government will not be able to focus on this critical event whilst this matter drags on.  
3. The UK faces many domestic challenges, including the cost-of-living crisis, the recovery from the pandemic, rebalancing of the regional economy (‘Levelling Up’) and negotiations with the EU with regard to the Northern Ireland Protocol. Similar arguments apply as to whether or not now is the right time for there to be an election for the leadership of the Conservative Party and hence a new Prime Minister.   
4. I continue to receive a large volume of correspondence from constituents. Some are supportive of the Prime Minister and there are those who have never liked him. The vast majority feel very badly let down, have lost confidence in him, and there must be serious doubt as to whether he can ever regain their trust. 
5. It is clear that there is a very large degree of ill-feeling towards the Prime Minister from Dominic Cummings, who is in effect on a revenge mission. I have sympathy with the Prime Minister, though it should be pointed out that he created this problem by appointing Mr Cummings as his Chief Adviser. 

Taking into account all these factors, I have concluded:- 

1. Some might take the view that we should await the outcome of the Police investigation and the publication of Sue Gray’s full unredacted report. My concern with this approach is that it would in effect “kick the can down the road”, there is no knowing as to when the Police will complete their investigations and we do not know for certain as to the form in which the report will be published. During this time, the issue would continue to be a major distraction for the Government. 
2. In my initial response to constituents, I commented that if the Prime Minister was found to have misled Parliament he should resign. At this stage, it cannot be stated that he has done this, though some are focusing on the gatherings of 13th November 2020 with this allegation in mind. 
3. Similarly I commented that if the Prime Minister faced criminal sanction, then he should resign. With the Metropolitan Police investigation taking place, this has not happened. 
4. The Prime Minister has many attributes, one of which used to be the large groundswell of support he generated across the whole of society. I fear that based on the feedback that I am receiving that this has dissipated, that many question his integrity and that it will be very difficult for him to regain this trust. 

In such a situation, I believe that the Government will not be able to properly focus on the wide ranging and very serious challenges that the UK faces. I acknowledge the disruption that would be caused by a change of leadership that will probably take some two to three months to complete, though I take the view that on balance this is the preferred course to pursue, though I accept that it is highly unsatisfactory. 

It is now my belief that the Prime Minister should resign. However, it is clear that at present he has no intention of doing so and I have therefore written to the Chairman of the 1922 Committee of Backbench Conservative MPs, advising him that I have no confidence in the Prime Minister as Leader of the Conservative Party. 

I have never taken such action before, I have made this decision after a great deal of thought and soul searching and I had hoped that I would not be placed in such an invidious position. Whilst I am conscious that others will disagree with me, I believe that this is in the best interests of the country, the Government and the Conservative Party.