PUBLIC anger over Downing Street parties allegedly held during covid lockdowns is part of a bigger picture of people turning away from the Conservatives.
That’s the view of Reading East MP Matt Rodda.
He said that the latest revelations, of an invitation sent out to 100 people inviting them to a drinks party at 10 Downing Street on May 20, 2020, were “very sad and very disappointing”.
“The government has let people down,” Mr Rodda said.
He is aware of the anger of his constituents over reports that at least 11 social gatherings are said to have taken place at Downing Street during the pandemic, when rules prevented people from such events.
However, Mr Rodda warned that the final verdict should await the outcome of the inquiry currently being conducted by senior civil servant Sue Gray.
He did look at the wider issues caused by concerns over the long-term nature of the Prime Minister’s conduct.
This includes former advisor Dominic Cummings’ trip to Durham during lockdown, the flat refurbishment, losing phone messages, his relationship with IT expert Jennifer Arcuri, illegally proroguing parliament, allegedly saying ‘let the bodies pile high’ in relation to the number of covid cases, his handling of Owen Patterson’s behaviour over lobbying rules, not wearing face masks in public places including a hospital, and questions over who pays for his foreign holidays.
“There is a wider change in the way people can see the government,” Mr Rodda said. “They are unhappy with Boris Johnson’s leadership, and the government as a whole. They want to see a change in leadership.
“They are making this clear nationally and locally.”
As evidence for this, Mr Rodda cited two by-elections held last month.
The Lib Dems took overall control of Wokingham Town Council after winning a seat from the Conservatives, while in Bracknell, Labour snatched a seat.
“People are really very annoyed with Boris Johnson and Conservative sleaze,” he said.
Yesterday, Reading Borough Council’s Graham Hoskin called for Boris Johnson to apologise.
Cllr Hoskin, Labour’s lead councillor for health, said: “In 2020, 224 Reading people died from coronavirus.
“We now know that at the same time Boris Johnson, his wife and team enjoyed lockdown-busting boozy parties at No 10.”
He added: “Think back to what you were doing in May 2020 – what you and your loved ones missed, what you sacrificed, what you lost. It is absolutely sickening.”
