Met launches criminal investigation into Downing Street parties

U-turn from police commissioner Cressida Dick means Sue Gray's inquiry report will be delayed

• Follow all the day's political developments as they happen

Scotland Yard has placed the heart of government under investigation after receiving evidence from Sue Gray's inquiry on alleged parties at Downing Street and Whitehall in a move that will delay her report's publication.

As a result, Boris Johnson will face a wait before Gray's inquiry is released, with the Metropolitan police commissioner, Cressida Dick, performing a U-turn and signing off on a formal investigation.