Lia Nici speaks out after Downing Street party claims
An investigation is set to take place following the emergence of allegations surrounding a lockdown rule-breaking Christmas party which is said to have taken place in Downing Street last year.
Boris Johnson says he was “repeatedly assured that the rules were not broken”.
He has faced a backlash of criticism, with many of his own MPs calling for his resignation.
We contacted local MPs including Martin Vickers and Lia Nici for their take on the issue.
Martin Vickers, MP for Cleethorpes, stated that the “idea that this would have taken place with the Prime Minister’s authority or even his knowledge is fanciful”.
He added that he welcomes the PMs apology and the forthcoming investigation.
Lia Nici, MP for Great Grimsby, has yet to respond to our email.
However, in an interview with BBC Radio Humberside Ms Nici called for the Prime Minister to release a statement clarifying “what went on”.
Speaking to BBC Radio Humberside, she continued: “From what we can gather this looks like people got together, but what we have to remember is that No.10 is a huge building with hundreds if not thousands of people working there.
“People were continuing to go to work because they had to make sure that we were running the county properly, they were working in office bubbles.
“So whether people were sitting at their desk having a cup of tea or whether they were having a glass of wine, I don’t know, but we certainly need to get a statement from the PM to find out.
“If there were people breaking the rules, then they need disciplining or sacking”.
When asked whether the Boris Johnson needs to resign if he was aware of the party, Lia Nici responded: “No, I don’t think he does and I don’t think he would have been aware”.
In a statement written on Facebook, the MP added: “The PM has repeatedly stated that he has been told by senior civil servants that there were no rules broken by staff at No.10.
“He needs to find out the truth and if staff have lied, then frankly, they need sacking and reporting to the Police.
“The person who supplied this story to journalists should have reported any party (if there was one) to the Police at that time.
“Sadly, they clearly felt it more appropriate to hold their information for a year to sell to journalists.”
The public have responded with frustration and shock at Ms Nici’s response, with one writing: “I nearly had a bit of respect for Lia for seeming to break free of the Party line.
“But then she blamed journalists without mentioning that the Police who guard Downing Street would have known about who goes in and out.”
Another added: “It’s funny but you as our MP whose meant to “represent” us let us down, time and time again.
“Nor have you any courage to call out your own members of your party, completely spineless.”
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