DR ANDREW Murrison MP has responded to the ongoing ‘Partygate’ crisis – saying that he is ‘appalled’ by the fines issued by the police.
It comes as the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak were both fined for breaching coronavirus rules over gatherings held across Whitehall and in Downing Street while restrictions were in place.
Boris Johnson said it “did not occur” to him that the gathering in the Cabinet Room on June 19, 2020 to mark his 56th birthday was a violation of coronavirus rules, but that he “now humbly accepts” he did breach Covid-19 laws.
Mr Sunak, meanwhile, said, “I deeply regret the frustration and anger caused and I am sorry.”
Dr Andrew Murrison, MP for South West Wiltshire, said in a lengthy post on his website that he has been watching the “saga unfold with dismay”.
He said, “I am appalled that the Prime Minister and Chancellor have been censured by the Met for involvement in a gathering at Downing Street contrary to the rules when my constituents were engaging with severe restrictions on personal liberty unprecedented in peacetime. I note that Mr Johnson and Mr Sunak have, rightly, apologised and expressed their contrition.”
Dr Murrison added that most of the letters he has received have asked him to submit a letter of no confidence in the Prime Minster.
He has not submitted a letter, but does not rule out doing so in the future.
He said, “Disposing of a Prime Minister mid-term, particularly one who was central to securing a huge popular mandate in 2019, is a very serious matter indeed. The responsibility weighs heavily on my shoulders as it does on the shoulders of all my colleagues.”
Dr Murrison added, “I am actually not convinced by the argument doing the rounds that the terrible conflict in Ukraine alone should prevent my colleagues removing the PM. The UK is not at war. Even if it were, there are plenty of examples over the past 250 years of changing PM when we have been. France, closer to the frontline than the UK, could be changing its President in a few days’ time. It appears to be managing well, as the UK would.
“No, the dilemma I have is how the best interests of those I represent are served. I supported Mr Johnson’s leadership bids because I considered him the person best placed to deliver for the country and for my constituents. His government has been delivering in the most challenging of circumstances.”
He added that he is still waiting for Sue Gray’s report, and, “On letters of no confidence, my position remains – I rule nothing in or out. I’ll continue to take careful note of all opinion expressed to me – from those of all political persuasion and none – and of events as they unfold.”
