Politicians from across the region have reacted in anger to reports that Boris Johnson’s private secretary invited over 100 people to a “bring your own booze” party at 10 Downing Street during the first coronavirus lockdown.
During an urgent question from Labour in the Commons this afternoon,Michael Ellis, paymaster general and a minister in the Cabinet Office, apologised unreservedly” for the upset these allegations have caused.
Tameside MP and Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner,criticised Boris Johnson for not responding in person . She said:
“Despite having no official engagements listed today, the prime minister has again failed to turn up to parliament and face the music. His absence speaks volumes. Boris Johnson holds the British public in contempt.”
Rochdale MP Tony Lloyd who had Covid last year, says his life was saved by medical staff who came forward to help him. Don’t they deserve better than what they are getting from No 10.
Gorton MP Afzal Khan said his mother died in hospital in March last year. He had to be outside in a car. When asked about the parties on Sky News, Johnson “smirked and laughed”. Will the PM apologise for the pain caused by the parties, and for lying about it.
Meanwhile The Leader of Oldham’s Labour Council, Cllr Arooj Shah, is demanding an apology from the Prime Minister following the latest reports of parties in Downing Street during lockdown – including a ‘Bring Your Own Bottle’ party which the Prime Minister and his wife are widely reported to have attended. The Labour leader has also called on local Conservatives to send a clear message to Conservatives in Downing Street.
Cllr Shah, said “567 people from across Oldham Borough lost their lives to Covid-19 in 2020 and residents here faced tougher restrictions for longer than most other parts of the country. I’m furious that whilst people here missed funerals, family celebrations and generally did the right thing to keep people safe, there was a seemingly endless series of parties at Number 10”.
“While we all made huge sacrifices to follow the rules, Boris Johnson and his team were drinking and laughing away. They were laughing at us then and they are still laughing at us now.”
“So today I am calling on Boris Johnson to come clean about the party culture that existed at his home during lockdown, and apologise to the residents of Oldham Borough who he has let down. I am also calling on local Conservatives to join me in condemning this disgusting behaviour.”
