This could have gone in the "You couldn't make it up" thread.
The UK's top civil servant has stepped aside from his role leading an inquiry into Downing Street lockdown parties, after it emerged an event was held in his own office.
Simon Case had been due to report on claims Covid rules were broken at events for staff last year.
But his role was put into doubt after reports a party was held in his office while London was under Covid rules.
No 10 said the probe would be concluded by senior civil servant Sue Gray.
Ms Gray is the second permanent secretary at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
A spokesperson for No 10 said: "To ensure the ongoing investigation retains public confidence the cabinet secretary [Simon Case] has recused himself for the remainder of the process.
They said Ms Gray would "ascertain the facts and present her findings to the prime minister".
The BBC understands a quiz was held for members of Mr Case's private office on 17 December 2020, and invites were sent out titled "Christmas Party!"
About 15 people were invited to the gathering at 70 Whitehall, near Downing Street, although it is understood not everyone turned up.
Responding to the claims, a government spokesperson said: "Staff in the cabinet secretary's private office took part in a virtual quiz on 17 December 2020.
"A small number of them, who had been working in the office throughout the pandemic and on duty that day, took part from their desks, while the rest of the team were virtual.
"The cabinet secretary played no part in the event, but walked through the team's office on the way to his own office.
"No outside guests or other staff were invited or present. This lasted for an hour and drinks and snacks were bought by those attending. He also spoke briefly to staff in the office before leaving."
'Corruption and sleaze'
The party
was first reported on the Guido Fawkes website on Friday afternoon.
Mr Case, who has been cabinet secretary since last September, had been asked by Boris Johnson to investigate gatherings for staff in government buildings last year.
His inquiry was focusing on events in Downing Street on 27 November, 15 December and 18 December, and at the education department on 10 December.
Responding to press reports of the gathering in Mr Case's office, Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner said: "Boris Johnson as prime minister has set the tone for the civil service and the rest of government.
"With each new revelation there is growing evidence of a culture of turning a blind eye to the rules.
"Labour made it clear when the investigation was launched that the person in charge should be uncompromised and able to make a fair and independent judgement. These fresh revelations put that into question."
The SNP's Westminster leader Ian Blackford urged the prime minister to appoint a judge, independent of government, to lead the inquiry.
Speaking to the BBC he said Mr Case had been allowed to "mark his own homework" and that his position was "no longer tenable".
"This is a government that stinks of corruption and stinks of sleaze," he added.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-59701369
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