‘You’re buying yourself time!’ Ferrari cringes as Tory MP bats back with Boris defence

Politics Live panel discuss Boris' future as PM

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Nick Ferrari challenged Tory backbencher Andrew Rosindell during a tense BBC Politics Live episode after Mr Rosindell said the public was “getting bored” with the No10 party saga and wanted to talk about more important things. Mr Ferrari pointed out to Mr Rosindell that he has been inundated with callers on his LBC show from people who were unable to say goodbye to loved ones on the same day Downing Street had a boozy gathering. But Mr Rosindell appeared dismissive of the point, arguing he could not have an opinion until the inquiry into the story was published which made Mr Ferrari wince.

Mr Rosindell said the country faced “huge challenges” which were “more important” than a No10 party.

He urged others to wait until the findings from Sue Grey’s inquiry were published before making a decision and that people were “getting bored” of the party stories.

Mr Ferrari challenged Mr Rosindell and said he has had many callers ring up who were devastated at the story as they were unable to say goodbye to loved ones on May 20.

The radio presenter said: “[A caller] had to say goodbye to her husband who was 80, she’s voted Tory all her life.

“She bade farewell to her husband as he went in an ambulance and never actually physically got alongside him again.

“That sort of anger will fizz and simmer for years and I just wonder if it’ll dissipate.

“You’re right, I know what you said about the economy, I really do, but for people who have lost loved ones like that, you’ve got a road to climb.”

Mr Rosindell replied: “I don’t disagree with you at all, I’ve had the emails, I’ve had people speaking to me, people are angry and questions do need to be answered.

Michael Portillo attacks Boris Johnson over his apology

“The point I’m trying to make is that none of us really know the full facts. There is going to be a report.

“There’s a report being done, so why don’t we wait to see the full context, the exact details, and then the prime minister will have to react to that.

“We can go on debating it forever, I’d rather get on to day-to-day issues that we can really discuss.

“The actual issue of the party in Downing Street will come out in the report and then decisions can be made after that.”

Mr Ferrari could be seen wincing at Mr Rosindell’s reply as it appeared his point was not as impactful as he had hoped.

Baroness Jenny Chapman was also on the panel and accused the Tories of “buying time” with the report to try and see what the public reaction is.

DON’T MISS: 
Brexit victory looms as Brit-friendly MEP lined up as next EU chief
Macron urged to resign after vowing to ‘p*** off’ antivaxxers
Royal POLL: Should Prince Harry cancel memoir?

She added the Conservatives wanted to see if the anger subsides and said some Tory MPs could be credited for standing up to Boris Johnson and telling him to step down.

Mr Rosindell then wondered what the point of the inquiry was if the reaction and result was already determined by other people.

Boris Johnson told the House of Commons on Wednesday he did attend a “bring your own booze” Downing Street gathering on May 20, 2020.

He told MPs: “I know the rage they feel with me over the Government I lead when they think that in Downing Street itself the rules are not being properly followed by the people who make the rules.

“I went into that garden just after six on the 20th of May 2020 to thank groups of staff before going back into my office 25 minutes later to continue working.”

But despite his admission and repeated calls to resign from opposition benches, Mr Johnson simply repeated he would not make a decision until the findings of an internal inquiry was published.

Leaders from Labour, SNP and Liberal Democrats all called for Mr Johnson to step down with Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Murray also turning on his Westminster boss.

Opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer repeatedly called for Mr Johnson to resign but was met with a repeated excuse where the public should wait on the results of an internal investigation from senior civil servant, Sue Grey.

Source: Read Full Article