Boris Johnson vows he will not quit as he awaits Gray report into lockdown parties

Boris Johnson has vowed he will not quit as prime minister as he prepared on Wednesday to receive the long-awaited Sue Gray report into lockdown-breaking parties in Whitehall.

Johnson told MPs at prime minister’s question time that he was “getting on with the job”, even as Downing Street was consumed by preparations for the Gray report and the fight to save the prime minister’s career.

The prime minister told MPs at lunchtime he had not yet received the report; as the hours passed, it became more likely that Johnson would not have time to publish its findings and report back to MPs on Wednesday.

Number 10 confirmed that discussions were taking place behind the scenes because Johnson wanted to be assured that “nothing cuts across” a separate Metropolitan Police inquiry into the alleged parties.

But Johnson’s spokesman insisted Number 10 would “publish the findings” of the Gray report when they were received.

Sir Keir Starmer, Labour leader, said: “Frankly, the public have made up their minds, they know he’s not fit for the job”. One Labour MP, Lloyd Russell-Moyle, called the prime minister “a liar”.

Johnson said: “The problem with the Labour party today is that [Starmer is] a lawyer, not a leader. We’ve taken the tough decisions, we’ve got the big calls right. We are — and particularly I am — getting on with the job.”

The exchange during prime minister’s questions came as Johnson’s allies rallied support on a crucial day at Westminster, with one minister warning rebel Tory MPs that if they topple the prime minister, they could force an unwanted early general election.

Westminster is awash with speculation that Gray has seen pictures of parties held during England’s Covid-19 lockdown as well as WhatsApp messages with further details of parties. The Metropolitan Police announced on Tuesday it was launching its own inquiry.

One official offered an alternative view that the Gray report would be “quite thin” and would not name names of those responsible for organising the parties, leaving Johnson to draw his own conclusions.

Nevertheless, Johnson’s allies have told MPs that the prime minister will act decisively after receiving the Gray report to address a “drinking culture” at the heart of government. A shake-up of Johnson’s Number 10 operation and the government party management operation — the whips’ office — is expected.

Johnson told MPs on Tuesday night he believed he would survive with his job intact. “He said we’ll get through this,” said one MP, who added: “He genuinely believes he’ll get out of this.”

However, some rebels are expected to use the report to push for a vote of no confidence in the prime minister. A total of 54 Tory MPs must submit letters to Sir Graham Brady, chair of the backbench 1922 Committee, in order to trigger a vote.

Liz Truss, foreign secretary, and a potential leadership contender, told the BBC: “I believe the prime minister should continue in office. I think he’s doing a great job. He’s apologised, he’s admitted that mistakes were made.”

With his premiership on a knife edge, Johnson’s allies have deployed a number of arguments to try to keep the rebels at bay. Jacob Rees-Mogg claimed if they ditched Johnson, an election would follow.

“Any prime minister would be very well advised to seek a fresh mandate,” he told BBC’s Newsnight.

Rees-Mogg’s contention is not supported by recent precedent; previous prime ministers who acquired power halfway through a parliament — including Theresa May, Gordon Brown and John Major — have not immediately called an election.

Other supporters of Johnson have tried to play down the significance of the party allegations, suggesting the prime minister should be allowed to focus on more important issues such as the Ukraine crisis.

Conor Burns, Northern Ireland minister, said Johnson had not been aware his wife and staff had organised a surprise birthday party for him during the lockdown in June 2020. “It was not a premeditated, organised party,” he told Channel 4 News. “He was, in a sense, ambushed with a cake.”