Thank you very much for your email about the Sue Gray Report and the Prime Minister's leadership.
First of all on the Sue Gray Report, I always said that what happened in Downing Street was a serious matter and I always understood the frustrations, anger and hurt many (name of constituency (removed) residents felt about it.
I also always maintained that it was important that politicians abide by the Coronavirus rules we set and expected others to follow, and if a politician did not follow them then that was a serious problem.
As you will have seen, the Prime Minister has provided a full explanation for what happened during the short lunchtime gathering on 19 June 2020 in the Cabinet Room for which he was issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice by the Police.
The Prime Minister has sincerely apologised for the things he got wrong in relation to that event, has accepted the Metropolitan Police's assessment that he broke the Coronavirus rules and has accepted full responsibility for what happened on the day.
The Prime Minister has also provided a full explanation for the other events the Sue Gray Report and the Metropolitan Police looked in to and has offered his sincere apologies for what took place and has taken responsibility for the failings which have been identified.
When Sue Gray's Interim Report was published, the Prime Minister committed to fully addressing the problems the Report highlighted in the Downing Street operation.
I hope you are reassured that the full Report agreed that the Prime Minister has already made significant changes to improve the organisation and management of Downing Street and the Cabinet Office to create clearer lines of leadership and accountability.
As I said, I have always understood the anger and frustration many (name of constituency (removed) residents have felt over this matter and I am reassured that the Prime Minister has offered his sincere apologies for what happened, has taken full responsibility for the failings and has committed to improving the inner workings of government.
On the Prime Minister's leadership, I do think it is right that we balance this matter, as serious as it is, against the Prime Minister's strong record in office so far in delivering the vaccine programme, getting Brexit done and supporting Ukraine as well as against the serious challenges this country is facing right now, whether that is national security or energy security.
I genuinely do not believe that the instability and uncertainty caused by the Prime Minister resigning and triggering a drawn out leadership contest would be in the best interests of the country.
Instead, I believe our interests are best served by the Prime Minister getting on with the job of Government and addressing the many serious challenges the country currently faces.
Also in my experience from speaking to voters up and down the country in advance of the May local elections, I know that what a great many people want to see is the Government concentrating on the things which matter in their every day lives, like supporting them with the increasing cost of living.
I understand the concerns many (name of constituency (removed) residents have raised with me about this and why some have called for the Prime Minister to resign, but I support the Prime Minister and think it is right that he and the Government get on with the job.
Thank you again for your email and I hope this response helps to set out my thoughts on this issue for you.
Yours sincerely,
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