A MIDDLESBROUGH Labour MP has branded the government a shambles and said that the Prime Minister is failing to lead.

Andy McDonald believes Boris Johnson’s lack of leadership is dangerous and said that new Covid measures have been introduced too slowly.

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He added: “Wednesday’s events are a classic example of what a shambles this Government is and what contempt it shows for people across the country who are doing their best to keep themselves and others safe from Covid.

“The resignation of Allegra Stratton is not enough. The Prime Minister is failing to lead and this lack of leadership is dangerous.

“The measures announced in light of the Omicron variant will now see face coverings being worn in public venues. This should have been the case throughout the past few months.

“As we head through the winter months it is vital all necessary steps are taken to protect everyone.

"As we are seeing a shift back to home working where possible, employers and employees must be given full support to ensure workers are safe and businesses can continue to operate.”

Government advisor Allegra Stratton was forced to resign after a video was leaked of her laughing about how to describe a party held by Downing Street staff during a mock press conference last December when she was the Prime Minister’s press secretary.

At Prime Minister’s Questions this week, Boris Johnson apologised for the offence the clip had caused.

He added: “I understand and share the anger up and down the country at seeing No. 10 staff seeming to make light of lockdown measures?

“I can understand how infuriating it must be to think that the people who have been setting the rules have not been following the rules, because I was also furious to see that clip.

"I apologise unreservedly for the offence that it has caused up and down the country, and I apologise for the impression that it gives.”

However, Labour Party leader Keir Starmer accused the Prime Minister of taking the public for fools and said he needed to admit to what had happened.

The Prime Minister announced that an investigation will be undertaken by Cabinet Secretary Simon Case.

It will look at allegations of gatherings on November 27 and December 18 at Downing Street and at the Department for Education on December 10 to consider whether there were Covid breaches.

Mr Johnson has also announced stricter Plan B measures as Omicron spreads across the UK.

Face masks will become compulsory in most public indoor venues, including theatres and cinemas, but excluding hospitality.

From Monday, December 13 people are advised to work from home if they can.

From Wednesday, December 15, providing parliament approves the measures, people will need an NHS Covid Pass to gain entry to nightclubs, indoor unseated venues with more than 500 people, unseated outdoor venues with more than 4,000 people and any venue with more than 10,000 people.

There is also a current push to ensure everyone who is eligible is offered a booster vaccine before the end of January.

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