NORTH Wales MPs and MSs have called for Boris Johnson to resign as Prime Minister following this afternoon’s publication of the initial findings of a report on lockdown parties in Downing Street.

Hywel Williams and Liz Saville Roberts, Plaid Cymru representatives for Arfon and Dwyfor Meirionnydd respectively, told Mr Johnson to “just go now” in a joint statement.

The report, led by senior civil servant Sue Gray, investigated 16 separate alleged gatherings on Government premises during COVID restrictions between May 2020 and December 2021.

It has not been published in full, as 12 of the events, on eight separate dates, remain under Metropolitan Police investigation.

The report concluded that there is “significant learning to be drawn from these events which must be addressed immediately across Government”, and blamed the events on "a failure of leadership".

Mr Williams and Mrs Saville Roberts also urged the report to be published in its entirety, adding there has yet to be a sufficient reason given for its censoring.

They said: “The Westminster farce has descended into total chaos in recent weeks.

“Despite promises of a full account of events, this shortened ‘update’ leaves many questions unanswered.

“Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police are yet to give a satisfactory reason for censoring the report.

“What is undeniable is that while families were grieving, hospital staff exhausted, friends and partners separated for months, those at the highest level of government were flouting the law.

“The deafening silence from Welsh Tory MPs and the Tory leader in the Senedd proves they’d rather be on the side of wrongdoers.

“The people of Wales won’t accept anything less than for all political representatives to stand up in the name of integrity and accountability.

“Boris Johnson simply can’t use the Metropolitan Police investigation as an excuse to delay his resignation further. Just go now.”

Speaking in Parliament on Monday afternoon, Mr Johnson accepted the findings of the report in full.

Mr Williams later added in Parliament that "any other Prime Minister would resign" and that "his backbenchers should discover their backbones and sack him".

Calls for the Prime Minister to resign were also echoed by Rhun ap Iorwerth and Siân Gwenllian, Plaid Cymru MSs for Ynys Môn and Arfon respectively.

Mr ap Iorwerth said: “The bottom line is that we have a UK Prime Minister we just can’t trust.  

"The Sue Gray report found Boris Johnson guilty of a lack of leadership and judgment, and we have the conclusions of a Met Police inquiry to come, too.

"It’s clear he should do the right thing and resign, but this is a PM who seems to have no shame whatsoever.

"Whilst the population suffered, the parties continued, and he doesn’t seem to care about the hurt and anger that has caused.”

Ms Gwenllian added: “Evidence of endless rule-breaking at the top of Government during two years which have been emotionally trying for the whole population is an insult to those who kept to the rules in order to protect others.

“By now, people are fed up with the circus, and the Prime Minister needs to do the honourable thing and resign.

"These are challenging times, and more and more people in the Arfon constituency are facing daily struggles as costs of living rise sharply.

"Families who were just about managing are now being pushed over the edge through no fault of their own.

"In reaction, the Senedd has just passed Plaid Cymru’s motion calling on the Welsh Government to publish an emergency cost-of-living action plan.

“The contrast between Westminster and the Senedd has never been clearer. The UK Government is unfit to govern and Johnson must go.”

Sue Gray’s investigation was announced in early January after a leaked email from Mr Johnson's principal private secretary, Martin Reynolds was published, inviting staff to "socially distanced drinks in the No 10 garden" on May 20, 2020.

Mr Reynolds encouraged people to "bring your own booze" and "make the most of the lovely weather".

At the time, lockdown rules in England prohibited large outdoor gatherings such as this.

Mr Johnson apologised for attending the event during Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) at the House of Commons on January 12.

James Davies, Conservative MP for Vale of Clwyd, said: "When I first learned of these alleged incidents, it was with disbelief and then anger, given all that we as a country have been through over the last two years. 

"Like many, I have lost a relative with COVID and, throughout the pandemic, living with restrictions has been extremely trying for all.

"It is my view that those who set rules must always endeavour to adhere to those rules themselves. It is also important to me that the decisions I reach are based on balanced evidence. 

"Now that the Sue Gray update has been released, I feel there is sufficient information to reach some conclusions. 

"It is clear that there have been individuals in Government departments who did not understand that they must live by the rules that were in place, and indeed that they were often responsible for setting. This is unacceptable.

"I do appreciate that No. 10 is a cramped office complex during which, at the height of the pandemic, it was necessary for very many staff to attend for work purposes, often for long hours. 

"It is also a home to the private residents of No 10 and 11 Downing Street.  While some of the 'gatherings' since publicised appear, in this context, to have reasonably complied with the rules, Sue Gray’s comments, and the involvement of the police, mean that there is strong evidence to suggest that this was not always the case.

"It is regrettable that publication of the full details of this behaviour will now have to await a police investigation. 

"It is also regrettable that, in the process, the many thousands in Government and in Parliament who have worked dutifully during the pandemic may feel that their unwavering commitment is being questioned.

"I have received a range of views from constituents on how these matters affect their view of the Prime Minister, ranging from deep unhappiness through to strong support. 

"I believe integrity is vital in the political process and therefore I welcome the fact that the PM has promised the full Gray report will be published, once the police investigation is complete. 

"I also welcome the PM’s repeated apologies on behalf of all involved.

"It is clear, in the meantime, that the PM intends a radical overhaul of the operation of No 10, which I believe is long overdue. 

"I am mindful of the point raised by many that Boris Johnson was elected with a landslide just two years ago and that this democratic decision of the people cannot be overturned by individuals, including former advisers, who appear to have vested interests. 

"Equally, however, I will continue to listen to all constituents and work with my Parliamentary colleagues to ensure that, at the conclusion of this very sorry episode, there is faith in the political process in this country going forward and that all those who have knowingly threatened this are held accountable."

David Jones, Conservative MP for Clwyd West, was in attendance at a Parliamentary party meeting on January 31.

Prior to that, Mr Jones said: “I will be attending the PM’s statement, and the Parliamentary party meeting at 6.30pm. That will give more context to the interim report.  

“Clearly, there have been failures in the organisation of No. 10 and changes will have to be made.

“I look forward to hearing more details.”

Virginia Crosbie, Conservative MP for Ynys Môn, welcomed Mr Johnson's assurance that he would "act swiftly and decisively on her (Sue Gray's) recommendations".

Mrs Crosbie also thanked Mr Johnson for visiting Anglesey last week during his visit of North Wales.

She said: "The majority of my constituents have been absolutely clear to me over the last few days that they want action from the UK Government on the issues that really matter to them.

"That’s investment, jobs, the levelling up agenda and being part of the green revolution, including new nuclear Wylfa Newydd.

"The excitement about these big-ticket items has risen since the Prime Minister visited Anglesey last week and said he remains a fervent supporter of new nuclear power here on the island.

"I thank him for coming and giving real leadership on this crucial issue for thousands of local people.

"Today, the PM accepted the findings of the independent Sue Gray report and has assured parliament and myself personally that he will act swiftly and decisively on her recommendations. I welcome this."

Robin Millar, Conservative MP for Aberconwy, added: "It was right yesterday that the Prime Minister came to the House to respond to the findings, in person. 

"It was right for him to take responsibility and apologise - again - for the failings within No. 10. 

"It was also right that he further committed to acting on the criticisms of the working environment and practices mentioned in the report.

"Specifically, I welcome his intention to re-organise and restructure the staffing at No. 10 to ensure proper and effective reporting and management structures.

"This is a much-needed reform and properly recognises the operations of No. 10 as a small department of government. 

"However, I continue to share the frustration expressed by many here that this matter has not been resolved yet.

"These are serious matters which deserve proper handling, so we must await the results of the police investigation and the release of Sue Gray's full report, at the proper time. 

"With events in Ukraine raising the possibility of conflict in Eastern Europe; a looming energy crisis and concerns about the cost of living here at home, there is much else this government needs to focus on in the meantime.

"It is also important to remember under the leadership of this Prime Minister, we left the European Union; we have had one of the most successful vaccine roll outs in the world and are now showing faster post pandemic recovery than any other G7 country.

"So, while we all wait for full and formal reports, and whatever follows from that, I will continue to work hard for Aberconwy and remain focused on delivering the levelling up agenda promised to the nation."

Mr Millar will be taking questions from his constituents during his regular Q&A Facebook Live session on Wednesday evening at 7pm, which you can find at: www.facebook.com/RobinAberconwy.