ONE of Reading’s MPs has come out in support for Boris Johnson following the publication of the Sue Gray report – to almost universal disdain from fellow social media users.
Along with the chancellor, the prime minister received a fixed penalty notice for attending one illegal gathering among many held in 10 Downing Street during the covid pandemic.
Following last week’s announcement by the Metropolitan Police that their investigation was complete, an investigation by senior civil servant Sue Gray was prepared for publication.
The report makes clear that parties took place across the pandemic when rules, guidance and laws should have prevented them.
“At least some of the gatherings represent a serious failure to observe not just the high standards expected of those working at the heart of government but also of the standards expected of the entire British population at the time,” the report notes.
Ms Gray also said that there were “failures of leadership and judgment by different parts of Number 10 and the Cabinet Office”.
Despite being the first prime minister to admit to lawbreaking while in office by accepting the fine, Mr Johnson has refused to follow the usual parliamentary convention and resign.
This evening, Reading West MP Alok Sharma tweeted his acceptance of Mr Johnson’s apology.
The fellow Conservative, and COP26 minister, said: “Sue Gray’s report describes unacceptable behaviour when households were making enormous sacrifices
“@BorisJohnson has apologised unreservedly and implemented changes.”
He added: “With serious challenges at home & abroad, the PM has my full confidence and is the best person to deliver for Great Britain.”
Sue Gray’s report describes unacceptable behaviour when households were making enormous sacrifices@BorisJohnson has apologised unreservedly and implemented changes
With serious challenges at home & abroad, the PM has my full confidence and is the best person to deliver for ????????
— Sir Alok Sharma (@AlokSharma_RDG) May 25, 2022
Unsurprisingly, the response to Mr Sharma’s tweet was, at the time of writing, completely disagreeing with his stance.
As my MP, I'm embarrassed for you. Enjoy your last term in office. Rachel Eden was very close last time – very disappointed in you.
— Sgt Stangroj (@SgtStangroj) May 25, 2022
Some said they were disappointed to read this stance, others wrote: “you’ve just accepted the unacceptable behaviour you have described”.
Dave Lawson tweeted: “That’s a real shame as a Reading resident you have just lost any chance of my vote”.
That’s a real shame as a Reading resident you have just lost any chance of my vote
— Dave Lawson (@ThoughtsofDave) May 25, 2022
Bruce Linton said: “As our local MP Reading West, not acceptable for someone leading our country to oversee this type of behaviour. Time for @BorisJohnson to step down and make way for someone else to take this country forward. ”
As our local MP Reading West, not acceptable for someone leading our country to oversee this type of behaviour. Time for @BorisJohnson to step down and make way for someone else to take this country forward. #timesup
— Bruce Linton (@Growbag) May 25, 2022
Reading East MP Matt Rodda has previously made it clear that he feels Mr Johnson should resign.
He retweeted a post from his party leader, Sir Keir Starmer, adding: “Keir is right. The Prime Minister is more interested in saving his own job than tackling the cost of living crisis. We deserve better than this.”
Keir is right. The Prime Minister is more interested in saving his own job than tackling the cost of living crisis. We deserve better than this. https://t.co/BvK53Msdy1
— Matt Rodda (@MattRodda) May 25, 2022
