Findings of the Second Permanent Secretary's Investigation into alleged gatherings on government premises during Covid restrictions

On 8 December 2021 the Prime Minister asked the Cabinet Secretary to carry out an investigation into allegations reported in the media relating to gatherings in No 10 Downing Street and the Department for Education during November and December 2020.

On 17 December 2021 the Cabinet Secretary recused himself from the investigation as a result of allegations concerning an online quiz held by his private office in the Cabinet Office on 17 December 2020 in 70 Whitehall and the Second Permanent Secretary was asked to lead this work.

The terms of reference for the investigation were published on 9 December 2021. The primary purpose of the investigation was to establish a general understanding of the nature of the gatherings including: attendance; the setting; and the purpose, with reference to adherence to the guidance in place at the time.

This is the final report of the investigation and includes the update published on 31st January 2022 outlining the scope and methodology of the investigation.