Boris Johnson and Sue Gray clash over ‘secret meeting’ about Partygate report - The Independent

A spokesperson for the Gray inquiry rejected both suggestions and denied that the meeting was for the report’s author “to clarify her intentions” prior to its publication, once the police investigation was concluded.

The extraordinary briefing war will increase pressure on Downing Street to explain why the meeting was held at all in relation to an inquiry it has described as “completely independent”.

In a partial climbdown, No 10 later appeared to accept that the meeting was instigated by an aide to Mr Johnson - and not by the inquiry head.

The prime minister is among as many as 30 people who have been told by Ms Gray that the report is likely to name them and given a deadline of Sunday evening to lodge any objections.

This suggestion was rejected by those working for Ms Gray, who were astonished that Downing Street had sought to give the impression that Ms Gray had initiated the discussion, The Independent understands.

Angela Rayner, Labour’s deputy leader, said: “Boris Johnson must urgently explain why he held a secret meeting with Sue Gray to discuss her report, despite claiming her investigation was completely independent.

However, the phrasing of the statement left open a suggestion that the meeting was requested by a Downing Street official, if not by the prime minister himself.

The prime minister then faces an inquiry by the Commons’ privileges committee to determine whether he lied to parliament when claimed that no laws had been broken in Downing Street.

Publication of the report by Sue Gray into the Downing Street parties is expected next week