PM abandons efforts to block inquiry on misleading Commons over Partygate

Government changes tack and attempts to delay investigation until after the full publication of Sue Gray report

Boris Johnson has been forced to abandon efforts to block an inquiry into whether he misled MPs over Partygate lockdown breaches, instead urging rebellious MPs to delay any investigation.

Government whips scrambled on Wednesday night to derail a Labour motion designed to trigger a Commons inquiry into whether Johnson lied about rule-breaking in Downing Street - including the potential release of hundreds of damaging messages and photographs.