West Dorset MP raged by leaked video of aides joking about Downing Street Christmas party
Chris Loder is pleased a proper investigation is taking taking place
Last updated 9th Dec 2021
The Prime Minister's ordered an investigation into claims of a Downing Street Christmas party but is still insisting no gathering took place.
Leaked footage from No 10's £2.6 million press briefing room emerged, appearing to show former press secretary Allegra Stratton laughing when rehearsing answers to questions over the Christmas party.
Our West Dorset MP has described the video as disgraceful.
Chris Loder says last year was the first Christmas in 39 years that he couldn’t see his family because he respected the rules which the Prime Minister asked the country to directly adhere to.
When the lockdown rules were announced Chris Loder was in London and that mean he had to stay in the city over Christmas.
“I would say that from what I’ve seen of that video from the Downing Street staff last night, I thought it was disgraceful. I am pleased that the prime minister has announced that it was going to be properly investigated.
“It should have been done before but I am pleased that a proper investigation is going to take place. And if they find out that there were parties or a party in Downing street I have already made it explicitly clear that I will expect nothing short of those people to be fired.”
Chris Loder says he understands and shares the same frustrations as the public
“Many of us were not able to be with our families because we respected the rules and quite rightly.
“As it stands at the moment, I don’t think there is concrete evidence that suggests a party has happened, that could be the case, I am not denying that at all, I want to see the concrete evidence first that is why I have made this very clear to the prime minister and if this is the case, then I am afraid these people need to dismissed, at least.
“I have made it clear to the prime minister in the event that evidence being found that parties took place in number 10 downing street, there should be nothing short of those people fired.”