Boris Johnson has faced further outrage over Partygate after a letter he sent to a little girl during lockdown resurfaced online.
The Tory leader yesterday made history as the first sitting Prime Minister to be fined for breaking the law, paying a £50 fixed penalty notice for a birthday party held in his honour in June 2020.
Following the so-called Partygate scandal, many - including Labour leader Keir Starmer and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon - are calling for the 57-year-old to resign.
Now, a letter the PM penned to a young girl in March 2020 has added even more fuel to the fire, the Mirror reports.
Shortly after the first national lockdown was announced, seven-year-old Josephine from Stubbington sent a heartfelt message to Johnson explaining that she was staying home and would cancel her birthday party - like he had asked the public to do.
Johnson replied with his own letter, wishing Josephine a happy birthday and praising her behaviour. He posted a screenshot of this note on Twitter along with the hashtag #BeLikeJosephine on March 21, 2020.
This tweet has been doing the rounds once more as furious Brits slam Boris for not following his own advice and being more like Josephine.
One person said: "We couldn't attend the funeral of my mother-in-law's partner or that of my boss. Likewise, we had muted celebrations for my 50th and my son's 18th.
"@BorisJohnson lied and broke the law and failed to #BeLikeJosephine. I do not accept his apology - I want his resignation."
Another posted: "Even a seven-year-old was willing to forgo her birthday party, because Boris Johnson told her to."
"Shame you didn't Be Like Josephine," replied a third.
Someone else wrote: "This has aged well PM."
Johnson's full letter to Josephine reads: "Dear Josephine, Happy Birthday!
"I am glad to hear you are staying at home, though I am sorry to hear about your party! We have all got to do our bit to protect the NHS and save lives and that is exactly what you are doing, so well done! You are setting a great example.
"We are working round the clock to keep people safe and if we work together we can send coronavirus packing. And when we have done that you can DEFINITELY have a party with your friend!
"In answer to your question - I'm regularly washing my hands with soap and water for 20 seconds: the time it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice!"
Josephine's original message to the Prime Minister was shared on Twitter by @LocksHeathCC and said: "Dear Prime Minister, I want to let you know it is my birthday today, but I am staying home because you asked us to.
"I think mummy and daddy might have to cancel my party but I don't mind because I want everybody to be ok.
"Please keep working hard to keep us all well. Are you remembering to wash your hands? Lots of love, Josephine, aged 7 (today!)."
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
