Douglas Ross says ‘party’ is ‘unforgivable’
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
The MSP for Moray slammed Boris Johnson arguing that “no-one should continue in their post” for misleading parliament if the Prime Minister was aware of an alleged Christmas party at 10 Downing Street. Mr Johnson has come under increasing pressure due to the allegations and was forced to launch an official investigation on whether a bash took place despite coronavirus rules in place at the time.
London was subject to tier 3 lockdown restrictions, which imposed a ban on social mixing between households.
The news was later followed by leaked footage of the Prime Minister’s former spokeswoman, Allegra Stratton, laughing about the incident during a rehearsal for a press conference two-days later. Ms Stratton has since has since resigned as COP26 spokeswoman over the scandal.
Speaking to Sky News, Mr Ross said he wanted the penned inquiry into the incident to respond “very quickly” because Brits followed the rules “to the letter” while those in Government appeared in flagrant breach of the law.
He said: “They made significant sacrifices… they didn’t see their family in the same way at Christmas time.
JUST IN Allegra Stratton in TEARS as she quits after video shame: ‘I tried to do my best by you!’
“They didn’t see loved ones in hospitals or care homes and now they find it galling that a party of some kind was held in Downing Street.”
He slammed how he believed on “everything I have seen” that “there was a party”, despite denial from the Prime Minister and Tory ministers.
But in a devastating blow to Boris Johnson Mr Ross said that if it is the case that the Prime Minister was aware of the party, he has “mislead Parliament” and should resign.
The Tory MSP slammed: “Misleading Parliament in that way is completely unacceptable and no-one should continue in their post if they mislead Parliament in that way.”
Allegra Stratton in tears as she resigns as Boris Johnson’s adviser
The Scot added the Christmas party and actions by N.10 was “unforgivable” given the tight restrictions being whacked on Brits at the time.
Mr Ross’s comments follow a similar backlash made by former Scots Tory leader Ruth Davidson who took to Twitter to vent her rage at the Government.
She Tweeted: “None of this is remotely defensible… As a Tory, I was brought up to believe in playing with a straight bat. Believe me, colleagues are furious at this, too.”
Ms Davidson branded efforts by Boris Johnson to disclipline staff involved as “pathetic”.
DON’T MISS
Raab’s team stuns public with invite for ‘Justice Christmas Drinks’ [REVEAL]
Boris ‘hanging by a thread’ as today’s PMQs pivotal to decide his fate [COMMENT]
Boris on the brink: Tories in revolt as they lose patience with PM [INSIGHT]
In the grim ITV footage which has sparked fury across Britain, Ms Stratton can be heard laughing in response to a question by adviser Ed Oldfield, who asked: “I’ve just seen reports on Twitter that there was a Downing Street Christmas party on Friday night, do you recognise those reports?”
Laughing, Ms Stratton said: “This fictional party was a business meeting and it was not socially distanced.”
No 10 initially did not say the reports were inaccurate but said all rules had been followed, before later denying any party had taken place.
A Downing Street press conference about a possible raft of new Coronavirus measures following the spread of the Omicron variant is due to take place at 6pm on Wednesday.
Source: Read Full Article