For the fourth week in a row, the issue of lockdown gatherings in Number 10 has dominated my correspondence, and for the fourth week in a row, I decline to either defend or offer excuses for what went on.

Again, I reiterate that I followed the rules and say I am sorry to all those who did likewise.

Some colleagues have long been urging their constituents to wait for the publication of Sue Gray’s report.

We have now seen it and, although its scope was severely compromised by the police investigation, meaning we must wait for The Met to determine the details of who did what and when, several things are abundantly clear.

The culture in Number 10 fell short of what the country had a right to expect, and responsibility must be taken for the mistakes that were made.

In writing to me to tell me how frustrated they are some people have – either implicitly or very aggressively – made the assumption that I do not feel the same.

For the avoidance of doubt, I was able to speak to the Prime Minister this week and I took the opportunity to tell him in person how frustrated and let down we all feel.

He told me that he has a plan to overhaul the workings of Number 10 and put things right.

I hope that the police will now do their work swiftly and well, so that the full picture can be brought to light.

I certainly do not subscribe to the views of some colleagues who have been in the media saying that their correspondence is drying up and their constituents are moving on. Maybe they just have less actively engaged constituents than me!

I recognise that MPs are here to receive and absorb the ire of constituents.

This continuing situation is deeply uncomfortable, disappointing, and embarrassing, but I will do the job I was elected to do and continue to share and amplify the views of my constituents publicly and with colleagues at the highest level I can.