The civil servant leading the inquiry into the government's lockdown parties is "no patsy", a former Norfolk MP has said.

Sue Gray was initially appointed to investigate claims that Downing Street staff held a party on December 18 two years ago - during Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

But her remit has now extended to the 'bring your own booze' event on May 20 that year - which prime minister Boris Johnson has apologised for attending.

She is also investigating a third gathering in the Downing Street garden five days previously.

Eastern Daily Press: Broadland MP Keith SimpsonBroadland MP Keith Simpson (Image: Archant Norfolk 2015)

And former Broadland Conservative MP Keith Simpson said he was confident her investigation would be robust - and could yet signal the end for Mr Johnson.

He said: "I have met her and she is a very formidable woman. She is not going to be a patsy. It will be interesting to see what she says and what she says about Boris Johnson in her report."