No 10 party inquiry will reveal ‘farcical’ culture, say Whitehall sources

Investigation by Sue Gray expected to unearth more lockdown drinks events in government buildings

• Met police won't investigate alleged No 10 lockdown party

An inquiry into lockdown parties in Downing Street, which could determine the fate of Boris Johnson, is expected to lay bare a farcical" culture of drinking and impromptu socialising, with little oversight from senior officials, the Guardian understands.

Whitehall sources said the investigation, overseen by the senior civil servant Sue Gray, was also likely to unearth other drinks events across government buildings as special advisers and officials were encouraged to come clean" about breaches of lockdown rules.