MP says vote was about more than just Partygate

BOSWORTH MP Dr Luke Evans has released a statement saying he voted to support Prime Minister Boris Johnson in the Conservative Party no confidence vote last week.

Dr Evans said, having heard “representations on both sides of the argument... I wanted to let you all know that I voted in support of the Prime Minister”.

He said: “I was concerned and embarrassed by the Partygate revelations. I took the votes on lockdowns and restrictions imposed by the government very seriously.

“On a personal note, when I voted for the second lockdown in November 2020, my grandfather was gravely ill and sadly passed away shortly after the vote.

“The restrictions I voted for meant that I was unable to say a proper goodbye, attend his funeral and support my grandmother.

“So, I completely understand and appreciate the anger surrounding this issue.

“For myself, last night’s vote of confidence in the Prime Minister extended far beyond Partygate.

“I thought about every decision taken for our nation: how committed he was in delivering Brexit, a highly successful vaccine rollout, funding for health and social care and – at this very moment – in ensuring people up and down the country are protected, as most economically responsibly as the government can, against increases in the cost of living, especially targeted towards those who most vulnerable.

“I have also seen how the Prime Minister has been in his support of our friends in Ukraine.

“By any yardstick the Prime Minister has led from the front on the international stage against Russian aggression, and I believe this to be significant.

“The question put to me in the vote was do I have confidence in the Prime

Minister, yes or no. I voted yes.

“My confidence in the Prime Minister has been shaken, I am happy to admit that.

“I have said as much to the Prime Minister as I have to any constituent who has contacted me on this issue.

“However, I believe changes have been made and that delivery is key, and that is what I am keen to see.

“I hope that my constituents can understand and accept my support of the PM. For some they can’t and won’t, but I have always said I would be honest and open with my decisions and the reasons for making them.”