Sue Gray report released, the PM’s apology and the reaction
What is happening?
Von der Leyen ‘wounded’ despite surviving EU confidence vote
July 11, 2025
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen survived a no-confidence motion in the European Parliament on 10 July, with only 175 MEPs in support, compared to 360 against and 18 abstaining.
What are the facts?
Perspective
- Sue Gray report into rule-breaking parties in and around Downing Street during the pandemic has been published
- She says many of the events “should not have been allowed to happen” and that staff who raised concerns were not treated with respect
- Senior leadership at Downing St must bear responsibility for this culture, she adds
- Boris Johnson tells the Commons he takes full responsibility for everything that happened on his watch but asks MPs to “move on”
- Labour’s Keir Starmer responds by saying the Gray report shows how No 10 treated the sacrifices of the public with contempt
- WhatsApp messages reveal Martin Reynolds, a former top aide to the PM, was warned of “comms risks” around parties
- He also suggested in a different message that officials had “got away with” a large event in the No 10 garden on 20 May
- A gathering in the No 10 flat after it was announced Dominic Cummings would leave government was never fully investigated by Gray, report reveals
'Humbled'
France24 picks up on the PM's comment he was humbled and that he took full responsibility following the release of Sue Gray's report.
The report did not specifically blame Johnson, but gave graphic details and included photographs from more than a dozen gatherings, some of which he attended.
Media Bias
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'Vomiting and partying until 4am'
The Guardian says Gray sets out in embarrassing detail how each event unfolded, including a leaving party on 18 June 2020 at which “one individual was sick” and “there was a minor altercation between two other individuals”.
Media Bias
Tories narrow gap to Labour in poll as Sunak says election result not ‘foregone conclusion’
Tories narrow gap to Labour in poll as Sunak says election result not ‘foregone conclusion’ The News Bias Exposed Fact Check Related News Right leaning
'I didn't lie to parliament'
The Daily Mail says Mr Johnson also denied lying to Parliament about the breaches, arguing that leaving dos were needed to keep up 'morale' while people were 'working hard' and he was 'proud' of the efforts of staff.
Media Bias
Labour vote share falls to lowest in more than two years
Labour vote share falls to lowest in more than two years The News Bias Exposed Fact Check Related News Right leaning mixed facts Labour’s vote
Texts reveal truth
The Daily Telegraph says a Downing Street chief boasted they had "got away with" partygate rulebreaking, Sue Gray's report has revealed, as she blamed senior leaders for failing to follow Covid rules.
Media Bias
Sunak and Starmer clash in final election debate
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The Independent - No 10 staff reveal culture of drinking and parties
The Independent - No 10 staff reveal culture of drinking and parties
metroMetro - The lockdown lock-in: All nighter parties at No 10
Metro - The lockdown lock-in: All nighter parties at No 10
Daily Mirror - Why did PM deny it? We knew parties broke rules
Daily Mirror - Why did PM deny it? We knew parties broke rules
The Guardian - Sunak’s cost of living scramble as energy bills forecast to hit £2,800
The Guardian - Sunak’s cost of living scramble as energy bills forecast to hit £2,800
sunThe Sun - Meg dad has major stoke
The Sun - Meg dad has major stoke
Daily Express - It’s ready! Rishi’s rescue plan for millions
Daily Express - It’s ready! Rishi’s rescue plan for millions
Daily Express - It’s ready! Rishi’s rescue plan for millions
Daily Express - Nothing to see here! Yard says Boris broke no rules
Daily Express - Nothing to see here! Yard says Boris broke no rules
