‘SHE DIDN’T DRIVE 300 MILES BUT DID FLOUT RULES’

Residents have had their say on the city’s MP breaking lockdown rules. Fordwich resident Gemma Hoddinott said: “To a certain extent she has been hypocritical. “Youhavetobevery careful when you’re in the public eye that you’re not caught out like this. “She didn’t drive 300 miles away, but she still flouted the rules, which we were told not to do. “Many of us haven’t seen our loved ones for weeks and it does hurt a lot of people. It shows what’s good for them isn’t good for us.” However, Ms Hoddinott, 41, does not believe the city’s first Labour MP should step down, adding: “People see she’s genuinely sorry, so we can all just go forward.” Ben Noreika, 23, says Ms Duffield should remain in office, despite the controversy.

“I think she’s done a good job; there’s no point throwing all of that away,” he said.

Despite this, an elderly resident, who wished to remain anonymous, branded Ms Duffield a hypocrite and called for her to resign. Meanwhile, Eric Rhodesmolden, from Sun Street, believes Ms Duffield was “laudable” for admitting her indiscretion and apologising.

The 69-year-old continued: “It’s not as though she’s gone to Northumberland or anywhere like that. Unlike some other politicians, she has apologised and admitted to it.”

Fay Blair, who lives just outside the city wall, also says Ms Duffield reacted in an “honourable and gracious” manner.

“I think people in public office need to be very transparent,” the 60-yearold explained.

“What most people objected to with Dominic Cummings was the sleight of hand and complex woven story about what did or didn’t happen.”