A WOMAN fined for breaching tough coronavirus regulations said Boris Johnson should lose his job over claims a Christmas party was held in Downing Street during last year’s lockdown.

Vicki Hutchinson organised a balloon release in memory of her father-in-law, who died after contracting Covid-19, in November 2020.

The tanning salon owner, from Peterlee, had faced a £10,000 fixed penalty for holding an illegal gathering of more than 30 people, which was later reduced to £500.

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Speaking after Boris Johnson apologised and a senior aide quit over the issue, she said: “I think it is absolutely disgusting. It is really bad.

“I don’t understand how they can get away with it – I go and release some balloons and I am up at court looking at a £10,000 fine.

“Something should happen to them. They should be fined and they can give the money to the NHS who have had to work through it all.”

She added: “I don’t think Boris Johnson should keep his job. What sort of example is he showing? How can he be chucking out fines to people like us?

“I got me fuming when I heard about it. Why should we be any different from the Government? We are all the same. How can they have a party? If anything they should be setting an example.”

Earlier, Mr Johnson ordered an investigation into claims staff broke lockdown rules by holding a Christmas party last year and told MPs he was “furious” about the footage apparently showing aides laughing about it.

Allegra Stratton, who was the Prime Minister’s spokeswoman, resigned after the leaked clip emerged, offering “profound apologies” and saying she would “regret those remarks for the rest of my days”.

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