Thank you for bearing with me. Due to the volume of correspondence, I have written this long form statement in the hope that it answers most of your concerns. Please be assured I am writing this statement in my capacity as your Member of Parliament, these are my own thoughts on this ongoing issue and “not dictated by the Party Whips,” as many sometimes wrongly believe. I know you may disagree with me; however, I wish to explain why I will not be calling the Prime Minister to resign.
On the 12th of April, the Prime Minister and Chancellor received a Fixed Penalty Notice for breaching lockdown regulations.
Please be assured that having read your emails and expressions of anger, I have conveyed my your frustrations to the Prime Minister. As I expressed earlier this year concerning the allegations of parties in Number 10, a sense of disappointment in the Prime Minister was justifiable in light of the sacrifices we all made. I maintain that the Prime Minister apologising at the time and thereafter tackling the culture in Number 10 was appropriate and continues to be the correct course of action.
I sat in the House of Commons on 19th April and listened to the Prime Minister’s statement concerning his Fixed Penalty Notice. I share your disappointment and frustration that he and the Chancellor unwittingly put themselves in a situation where they were in breach of the restrictions put in place. However, the Prime Minister apologised to us all and you in the Chamber, and I wholeheartedly believe he regrets his actions. He is sincerely apologetic and recognises the error of his judgement.
Last week the Labour motion passed without a division. This means the PM’s statements on the floor of the House about the legality of activities in Number 10 will be referred to the committee of privileges. This means the committee of privileges will investigate if the PM’s conduct amounted to a contempt of the House. At this time, I do not believe the Prime Minister knowingly misled Parliament, however, I look forward to the conclusion of the investigation to make my final judgment.
Michael Ellis, Minister for the Cabinet Office, stated in the Chamber last week that it is “appropriate that the Prime Minister’s referral to the privilege’s committee be done so when all circumstances have come to light and all facts have been presented.” This, I’d like to clarify will be when the Metropolitan Police finish their investigation. I am in firm agreement with the Minister. I believe that until all evidence has come to light, no judgement should be made.
I will not be calling for any resignations in relation to the specific matters you mention. For me, this is not a party-political matter. I should add that I did not call for the Welsh Labour Health Ministers’ resignation last month when she received a fixed penalty notice through the Magistrates court for a far more serious matter.
I am personally not interested in seeing a leadership election at this time. With all the challenges we face, in Ukraine, with the cost of living, recovering from the pandemic and so many others, it is my priority as MP to focus on delivering for the people of Brecon and Radnorshire and not getting involved in political manoeuvring in Westminster.
