MSP calls for Prime Minister and Chancellor to go
“The Prime Minister must stand down over the Partygate fine scandal”– that’s the view of Rutherglen’s MSP.
Clare Haughey made the comments after it emerged both Boris Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak have been fined by police following illegal gatherings held during the lockdown.
Mr Johnson was in attendance at an hour-long gathering in the Cabinet Room at 10 Downing Street on June 19, 2020, when it is believed staff celebrated his birthday – at the height of the Covid pandemic.
Mr Sunak and the PM’s wife, Carrie Johnson, also face fines, but have not been told for what event, although both are believed to have attended the June 19 gathering as well.
Mr Johnson is the first serving Prime Minister of the UK to be sanctioned for breaking the law, which comes as the Met investigate a number of alleged gatherings in Whitehall and Downing Street.
Rutherglen MSP Ms Haughey, who previously told how she had lost family members as the pandemic took effect, has now blasted both the PM and the Chancellor.
She told the Reformer: ”Despite repeatedly claiming that no rules had been broken in Number 10, we now have the truth – Johnson lied to the public and Parliament, and he flagrantly broke the law.
“My constituents made immense sacrifices for one another
by following the rules, with many being unable to say goodbye to their loved ones.
“Yet, at the same time, Johnson and Sunak were breaking the law at parties. It is an utter disgrace.
“Tory MPs and MSPs must now grow a backbone by calling for
their resignations and forcing them out.
“Scotland deserves better.” First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer are among those who have demanded the Prime Minister stand down.