The individuals have been given a deadline of tomorrow evening to challenge the Whitehall mandarin’s account of their involvement, with sources close to the inquiry team saying that any serious objection could delay publication beyond the planned date early next week.
Staff in No 10 were said to be “devastated” at the prospect of public exposure and possible disciplinary action, which could affect individuals who escaped fines in the Metropolitan Police investigation into lockdown breaches which concluded on Thursday.
Letters are understood to have been sent by Ms Gray’s team yesterday to around 30 people: mostly those who are set to be named in the report but others are also included, and are being asked to confirm that they accept the narrative of incidents in which they were involved.
However, they are not being informed of the conclusions reached by Ms Gray in the crucial section of the document, in which she is expected to cast her verdict on failings of leadership and judgement, as well as the drinking culture inside Downing Street.
The senior civil servant’s team are braced for the possibility of individuals bringing in lawyers to challenge the account presented in her report, which could potentially introduce a delay of weeks.
“The idea that this will come out on Monday or Tuesday is based on everything falling into place at the right moment,” said a source close to the Gray team.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der May 21, 2022-Ausgabe von The Independent.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der May 21, 2022-Ausgabe von The Independent.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Record 642m vote in India in spite of deadly heatwave
Dozens of election workers among 200 dead as the country looks set to re-elect Narendra Modi for historic third term.
Artificial cornea makes 91year-old Cecil an NHS first
A 91-year-old man has made history by becoming the first NHS patient in England to receive an artificial cornea.
Early menopause can nearly double risk of breast cancer
Women who start menopause early are twice as likely to get breast cancer, according to a new study.
Mystery of the giant snakes.depicted in ancient rock art
Archaeologists have discovered one of the world's largest collections of ancient art, showing giants and monsters walking the Earth. In a remote area of South America, a British-led research team has discovered more than a thousand prehistoric engravings - including the world's largest examples of prehistoric rock art.
'Don't waste a moment'
Rob Burrow recorded a message to be released after he died
Labour candidate accused of 'inappropriate touching'
A Labour candidate for a seat in east London is being investigated over a sexual harassment allegation.
Tories promise annual cap on visas to cut immigration
The Conservative Party has unveiled a new general election pledge to cut immigration by creating a new annual cap on visas.
Kicked in the polls: voters.to desert sinking Tory ship
Lib Dems will likely be second biggest party after Labour
Mr Brexit's picked the ideal spot for his bid to be an MP
Nigel Farage yesterday announced that he is standing in the Essex seaside town of Clacton in an eighth attempt to win a seat in the House of Commons (as was first revealed in The Independent).
Tories face ‘existential risk' as Farage enters stage right
Two more major polls suggest electoral wipeout for the party