THE MAJORITY of Conservative MPs in the North East are yet to respond to the news that the Prime Minister and Chancellor will both be issued with fines for breaches of Covid-19 regulations.
Calls for their resignations swelled in the hours after the announcement on Tuesday afternoon, with local Labour MPs among those calling for them to step down.
A No 10 spokeswoman said: “The Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer have today received notification that the Metropolitan police intend to issue them with fixed penalty notices.
“We have no further details, but we will update you again when we do.”
The Northern Echo has contacted all Conservative MPs in County Durham and Teesside, as well as Richmond MP Rishi Sunak, for comment.
The first MP to respond was Darlington's MP Peter Gibson, who said: "I've always said that when anyone breaks the rules they should be subject to the same sanctions as anyone else”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen declined to comment on the situation.
Read more: Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak to receive fines for lockdown parties
Simon Clarke, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, said: "The PM and Chancellor have my full support. Their efforts during the pandemic have ensured the UK is now free of restrictions and avoided economic catastrophe. I for one am grateful to them for everything they have done for our country.
"The PM has apologised and accepted the Police’s decision today. He has accepted Sue Gray’s recommendations in full and instituted a comprehensive programme of reform in No 10. It’s time to get on with the job of governing at a crucial time at home and abroad."
In a statement, Rishi Sunak offered a “unreserved apology” and signalled he would stay in his job.
The Chancellor said: “I can confirm I have received a fixed penalty notice from the Metropolitan Police with regards to a gathering held on June 19 in Downing Street.
“I offer an unreserved apology.
“I understand that for figures in public office, the rules must be applied stringently in order to maintain public confidence. I respect the decision that has been made and have paid the fine.
“I know people sacrificed a great deal during Covid, and they will find this situation upsetting. I deeply regret the frustration and anger caused and I am sorry.
“Like the Prime Minister, I am focused on delivering for the British people at this challenging time.”
As of 9pm on Tuesday Richard Holden, Jacob Young, Jill Mortimer, Paul Howell, Dehenna Davison and Matt Vickers are yet to respond to requests for comment.
In January, Tory MPs in the region urged the public to “move on” from partygate after Sue Gray’s limited inquiry criticised “failures of leadership and judgment”
Redcar MP Jacob Young said at the time: “Sue Gray’s limited inquiry criticised “failures of leadership and judgment.”
And Tory MP for Sedgefield, Paul Howell told the House of Commons: “There’s got to be consequences in No. 10 for any rules that have been broken but please remember, the right thing was done by the instigation of the rules in the first place.
“We need to move on and level up this country.”
Read more: Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak urged to resign over fines
The news comes after it was revealed at least 30 more fixed penalty notices will be issued by the ACRO Criminal Records Office, the Metropolitan Police said in its latest update on Operation Hillman, which is looking into breaches of Covid-19 regulations.
This is up from the 20 referrals for fixed-penalty notices (FPN) the force said had been made at the end of March.
Scotland Yard said it was “making every effort to progress this investigation at speed”, with the possibility of more fines to come.
A No 10 spokeswoman said: “The Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer have today received notification that the Metropolitan police intend to issue them with fixed penalty notices.
“We have no further details, but we will update you again when we do.”
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