Cumbrian politicians denounce Downing Street’s Christmas 'Covid breaches'

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been under immense scrutiny from all sides after it emerged Covid rule breaking parties may have taken place on his watch, at Downing Street while the rest of the nation were banned from mixing.

Leaked footage has since emerged which appears to show the PM’s spokesperson Allegra Stratton rehearsing the Government’s answer to hypothetical questions from journalists about the party.

The footage dates back to last Christmas when it is alleged a party may have taken place in breach of Covid-19 restrictions.

Ms Stratton has resigned explaining that the fallout from the leaked video is distracting from important issues.

PM’s spokesperson: Ms Stratton has apologised to the public

Testimonies from members of the public who could not see their loved ones in their final days have added fuel to the fire.

Leader of Carlisle Labour Group Les Tickner has added his voice to calls for the Prime Minister to resign.

“The footage showing the Prime Minister’s former press secretary and colleagues at Number 10 laughing and joking about what appears to be a Christmas party held in Downing Street last year is both sickening and shameful.

“At a time when the rest of the UK were unable to visit family and friends and on a day when over 500 people died from Covid, Downing Street staff were allegedly partying and tucking into cheese and wine with no social distancing.

“This isn’t just a case of double standards it’s a case of this Government having no standards.

“The attitude of one rule for the Conservatives and another rule for us continues unabated.

“I hope our local MPs and Councillors from all parties will join me in condemning these actions and welcome the report of the NALC Civility and Respect Project Working Group and their joint statement committing to promote civility and respect in public life.”

Under pressure: Prime Minister Boris Johnson Pic: PA

The National Association of Local Councils has launched the project in response to a worrying trend of aggression towards elected politicians and incidents of disorder in the Houses of Parliament and council chambers nationally.

The statement reads: “Civility and respect should be at the heart of public life and good governance is fundamental to ensuring an effective and well-functioning democracy at all levels.”

Cllr Tickner pointed out that MPs and holders of public office are bound by the Seven Nolan Principles: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Carlisle City Council member for Sandsfield and Morton West James Bainbridge said: “Whilst opposition councillors and political activists will no doubt be jumping for joy at the Government managing to shoot itself in the foot on this issue, quite clearly the civil servants in Downing Street who decided to organise a social gathering in the building should face disciplinary action if the investigation by the Cabinet Secretary finds that Covid rules were broken.”

The Conservative councillor said: “If I was to offer advice to Downing Street, it’s quite clear that advisors and civil servants should be acting in the spirit of Covid legislation.

“If the Prime Minister feels that they are not acting in the best interests of the Government then he should show them the door.”

Leader of Cumbria County Council’s Liberal Democrat Group, Peter Thornton gave a different reading of the situation, sympathising with Allegra Stratton.

Cllr Thornton said: “Her job was to present the Government’s position and she was given an impossible position to present.

"You can see that on the clip, I’ve got every sympathy for her.”

Cllr Thornton, who is also the deputy leader of the council, joined voices calling for the Prime Minister to resign.

He said: “I think it just shows that our national leaders in the Conservatives believe they’re immune from the rules they themselves make.

“I think that Boris should never have got the job. I don’t think he’s equipped for the job.

Cllr Thornton said: “I have a lot of respect for many of our local Conservative councillors and I think they’ve been just as let-down by this Government.”

Leader of Carlisle City Council and its Conservative group, John Mallinson said: “I would say whatever has happened it’s been appallingly badly handled.

“I’m pleased the Prime Minister has announced he’s launching a full investigation.

“I did see clips of that interview and her behaviour could not in any way be described as professional.”

Some have expressed the view that Ms Stratton has become the focus of anger unfairly.

But Cllr Mallinson said: “That may or may not be the case, however she should not have behaved in the way she did in front of a TV camera, or anywhere.”

The leader said: “If it’s found there was a party and that it transgressed the lockdown rules, it sets an extremely bad example for the rest of us who’ve been working hard, and making sacrifices, many people greater than mine.”

Eden District Councillor for Penrith South, Helen Fearon said: “If the party took place, everyone involved should be thoroughly ashamed. Serving the nation is a privilege and they should all resign.”

When asked by members of the press if Covid rules have been broken at Downing Street, the Prime Minister said: “According to very well respected civil servants and Special Advisers, I’ve talked to about what happened in the events you describe, no rules were broken.

“I’ve asked the Cabinet Under Secretary Simon Case to look at the December 18 event.

"I’m sure he’ll be considering all sorts of things but as far as I’m concerned, all the evidence I can see is that people in this building have stayed within the rules.”