MP ‘understands’ anger over PM and partygate

COTSWOLDS MP Sir Geoffrey Clifton-brown says he “completely understands” the anger of his constituents over Partygate and Boris Johnson’s Covid rulebreaking.

“I will be carefully listening to them in the days to come,” he told the Gloucestershire Echo.

But, like other Tory colleagues, he raised the issue of Ukraine in questioning whether it was the right time to replace the PM.

The cost of living crisis has a bearing on his thinking too.

Johnson has received one fine for breaking the lockdown rules he imposed. Further fines for his lawbreaking are expected.

“I completely understand why my constituents who rigorously upheld the Covid-19 rules during the lockdown and particularly those who lost close family and friends are angry and disappointed that the Prime Minister, the Chancellor, and people working within No.10 have been fined for breaking the rules,” said Sir Geoffrey. “Personally, I share the disappointment many of my constituents feel and I will be carefully listening to them in the days to come,” he said.

On the issue of a no confidence vote, Sir Geoffrey said the question that MPS have to “wrestle with” is whether replacing the Prime Minister in the middle of a war in Ukraine and the biggest cost of living squeeze in a generation is the right action at this time. “The process of electing a new Prime Minister will take at least two months, with all the instability that it will cause and I think it is therefore right to wait until the entire investigation is concluded before making a judgement,” he said.