Kingston: Local MPs react to Downing Street party

By Ellie Brown - Local Democracy Reporter

12th Jan 2022 | Local News

Ed Davey said it was one rule for the PM and another for the public (Image: Kingston Lib Dems)
Ed Davey said it was one rule for the PM and another for the public (Image: Kingston Lib Dems)

South West London MPs have reacted to the most recent Number 10 Downing Street party scandal with one slamming Boris Johnson as a "disgrace."

It comes as the Prime Minister is facing calls to explain whether he attended a "bring your own booze" party in the Downing Street garden in 2020 during the first lockdown.

As many as 100 people were invited to the drinks at the event on May 20, 2020, it is understood.

Witnesses told the BBC the PM and his wife were among about 30 people who attended the gathering but Boris Johnson has declined to say whether he was there.

ITV News has published what appears to be the full email invitation sent on behalf of Mr Johnson's principal private secretary, Martin Reynolds.

Part of it reads: "After what has been an incredibly busy period we thought it would be nice to make the most of the lovely weather and have some socially distanced drinks in the No 10 garden this evening.

"Please join us from 6pm and bring your own booze."

Labour's Battersea MP Marsha de Cordova said on Twitter: "The PM is a disgrace.

"He didn't believe the rules applied to him when this party took place at the height of lockdown in 2020, and he STILL doesn't, as he lies to cover his tracks.

"The rules do apply to him, and he must be held accountable."

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, Shadow Cabinet Member for mental health and Labour MP for Tooting, said: "The Prime Minister and the Government have such contempt for the rest of us.

"They laugh at us, while they break the rules.They can't be allowed to get away with it. Their time is up."

Liberal Democrat leader and MP for Kingston and Surbiton, Ed Davey, tweeted: "Yet again it's one rule for Boris Johnson and another rule for the rest of us.

"This time a massive garden party at his place while people were dying alone. FFS"

Sarah Olney, Liberal Democrat MP for Richmond Park, said: "In 2020 the British people rose to the challenge in extraordinary fashion and sacrificed so much.

"If the Government's response to the latest leak is to once again stick its head in the sand, the message could not be clearer: they simply do not care.

"Those responsible must be held accountable. Otherwise the government will continue to undermine public health by saying that the rules are there to be broken, not followed."

Munira Wilson, Liberal Democrat Twickenham MP and Fleur Anderson, Labour's Putney MP have both been contacted for comment.

     

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