Civil service unions have called for ministers, not civil servants, to take responsibility for any breaches of lockdown rules identified in cabinet secretary Simon Case’s investigation of Christmas parties at Downing Street last year.
PCS, the civil service’s largest union, said ultimate responsibility for following the guidance lay with ministers, whose jobs should be at risk if it was found they knowingly breached guidelines.
Prospect, which represents professionals such as engineers and scientists in departments and agencies, also sounded a warning that there was a danger officials would be scapegoated to save ministers’ backs.
The senior civil service leaders’ union, FDA, said the probe into the allegations must be “free from political interference”.
Prime minister Boris Johnson on 8 December asked Case to investigate reports that a Christmas party was held at No.10 following days of official assurances that no party had taken place and no guidance had been broken.
Mike Clancy, Prospect general secretary, said senior politicians should steer clear of sacrificing the careers of civil servants to protect themselves.
“Government ministers must take responsibility for the events in Downing Street a year ago, they should not attempt to throw civil servants under the bus in an attempt to divert attention,” he said.
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“The public expect real leadership to take responsibility and close this matter down. Only this will allow everyone to focus on keeping safe and limiting the spread of the virus.”
A PCS spokesperson said: “If Downing Street broke Covid rules over Christmas last year while millions of people followed government guidance, then ministers responsible should resign.”
FDA general secretary Dave Penman said it was vital that the probe into the 2020 party allegations was wide-ranging and impartial.
“Rather than attempting to apportion blame or pass the buck, there must be a full investigation to establish the facts around the reported party at No. 10, and this must be carried out free from political interference,” he said.
“This should also be separate from the very important questions about the statements made by ministers, not least the prime minister, in recent days. It is vital for public confidence that ministers are entirely truthful at all times.”
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