Scarborough and Whitby MP issues statement on Downing Street parties

The MP for Scarborough and Whitby has sent us a statement on the allegations surrounding Boris Johnson and garden gatherings at Downing Street.

Sir Robert Goodwill has so far declined our request for an interview.

It's as the Prime Minister's role as Tory Leader appears to hang in the balance over claims he knew about the parties and that they were illegal - something he 'categorically' denies.

A group of Mr Johnson's own MPs are planning to submit letters of no confidence today,

Here is his statement:

"I have had quite a number of emails expressing irritation the whilst the rest of us were complying with the rules during lockdown events were being held in number ten which, despite being a workplace, appeared to be mainly social in nature.

"We will need to wait for Sue Gray’s report to know exactly what was going on, but if rules were being broken then there should be consequences for those who organised and attended them.

"I know that many people were separated from loved ones, cancelled weddings or were unable to attend funerals during lockdown and that was tough for us all.

"The rules must apply to everyone in this situation. "

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• whitby
• sir robert goodwill mp
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• downing street