BRAINTREE’S MP admits an eye-opening report into ‘Partygate’ made for uncomfortable reading but says the Government must now press forward to tackle national issues.

James Cleverly has given his verdict on the Sue Gray report which was released on Tuesday.

The damning inquiry said the “senior leadership” in Mr Johnson’s Government must “bear responsibility” for the culture which led to coronavirus lockdown rules being broken.

The report, by senior civil servant Sue Gray, said the public would be “dismayed” by a series of breaches of coronavirus rules in No 10 and Westminster.

“The events that I investigated were attended by leaders in Government. Many of these events should not have been allowed to happen,” she said.

The Metropolitan Police has issued 126 fines for rule breaches in No 10 and Whitehall, with the Prime Minister receiving a single fixed penalty notice for his birthday party.

But Ms Gray added: “Many will be dismayed that behaviour of this kind took place on this scale at the heart of Government.”

Mr Johnson apologised in the House of Commons and said: “I’m confident with the changes and new structures that are now in place that we are humbled by the experience, and we have learned our lesson.”

Following the report’s release, Mr Cleverly said the probe highlighted a number of important issues.

On social media, he said: “The Sue Gray report is not comfortable reading but highlights a number of important things.

“The PM has apologised, taken responsibility, and already made changes in how No10 works.

“Absolutely the right things to do.”

But the MP, who serves as Minister of State for Europe and North America, now thinks the Prome Minister needs to crack on and work on fixing ongoing national issues.

Mr Cleverly said: “He, and the rest of government, will focus on the really important issues like jobs, cost of living, supporting Ukraine, keeping people safe and healthy etc.”

Witham MP and Home Secretary Priti Patel declined to comment.