Worcestershire MP speaks out on Tory Christmas party scandal

Helen Russell was the Labour candidate for Mid Worcestershire in 2019 and this year, she lost her partner, Julian Jenkins, to Covid.

With reports emerging of Conservative MPs attending Christmas parties last December, when the country was in lockdown, Ms Russell has voiced her anger.

She said: “In a crisis, such as this pandemic, we need strong leadership but that has been lacking since the start.

“I am worried that this rule breaking by the Prime Minister and others means that people lose trust in the leaders and are less likely to stick to the rules which are designed to keep people safe.

“I certainly think the country would be in a much better place if Boris Johnson wasn’t Prime Minister but it’s not just him that is the problem.”

Helen Russell's partner Julian Jenkins died in August after catching Covid

Ms Russell also had questions for Mid Worcestershire MP Nigel Huddleston.

She wanted to know whether Mr Huddleston had attended any parties and demanded he make the anger of his constituents known to the PM.

She added: “He needs to express to Boris Johnson the anger of his constituents instead of repeatedly defending the Government just to secure promotions!”

Helen Russell (R) with Angela Rayner (L) during her election campaign in 2019. Now, she wants the public to vote the Conservative Party out

Mr Huddleston has now responded to Ms Russell’s comments.

He said: “I was very sorry to hear about the loss of Ms Russell’s partner, Julian Jenkins.

“I sympathise with all those who have lost loved ones during the pandemic and implore everyone to do what they can to protect themselves and others.”

On the party allegations he added: “I understand and share the anger felt by people across the country at the video of Number 10 staff seeming to make light of lockdown measures, and am aware of my constituents' feelings on this.

“In the House of Commons, the PM apologised for any offence caused as so many people have made enormous personal sacrifices throughout the pandemic.

“Further, the PM has directed the Cabinet Secretary to investigate the allegations of parties at no 10, establish the facts, and report back as soon as possible.”

On whether he attended any parties himself, he said: “While I had a couple of (Covid compliant) outdoor meals, like most of my constituents I cancelled or postponed most other Christmas plans as we moved further into lockdown.

“I spent Christmas with my immediate family and did not see my Mum or other relatives until well into the New Year.”