CONTROVERSY has surrounded the Prime Minister in recent weeks as strings of Downing Street lockdown 'parties' have been investigated.

After increasing reports of Boris Johnson and Downing Street staff breaking lockdown rules, the Metropolitan Police are now investigating 12 separate gatherings between May 15, 2020, and April 16, 2021.

The Cabinet Office's Second Permanent Secretary, Sue Gray, has also been looking into these gatherings - as well as a further four incidents - and published her findings on Monday, January 31.

Leigh Journal: Sue Gray (PA)Sue Gray (PA)

As the Police are in the middle of their own investigation, Ms Gray's inquiry has been severely hindered and she has been unable to report the full version of her findings.

However, Ms Gray was still able to conclude that there were “failures of leadership and judgment” in No 10 and the Cabinet Office during the period she investigated.

She stated: "At least some of the gatherings in question 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 at the time.”

“Some of the events should not have been allowed to take place. Other events should not have been allowed to develop as they did”.

In repsone to the controversy and Ms Gray's inquiry, Bolton West and Atherton MP Chris Green said: "

“There was a huge wave of expectation that the Sue Gray report would give clarity over the parties and drinking events in Downing Street.

"Some would dismiss this as being irrelevant but I think it is of national significance to determine the level of rule-breaking and to what extent.

"I have been sceptical that the approach to lockdowns is right and the fact that those making the rules could not or would not follow those rules undermines their credibility of having imposed them the way they were.”

Leigh Journal: Boris Johnson said he will make changes following the report Boris Johnson said he will make changes following the report

Since Ms Gray's report, the Prime Minister said he is making changes to how Downing Street and the Cabinet Office is run so they can get on with the job of government.

Boris Johnson said the "fragmented" nature of government and the civil service code of conduct needs to be addressed - and will create an office of the prime minister.

Thirdly, he promised more announcements in the coming days to improve the working of government and the connection between No 10 and Parliament.

"I get it and I will fix it" he added.