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Flaminia Luck

Darlington MP defends Prime Minister after Sue Gray report despite 'palpable' anger and frustration

The Conservative MP for Darlington has defended the Prime Minister after a report by a civil servant condemned "failures of leadership and judgement".

MP Peter Gibson said Boris Johnson has apologised and needs to be given the chance to carry on after it was revealed multiple gatherings were hosted at Downing Street during lockdown.

Top civil servant Sue Gray released a report after investigating rule-breaking at Number 10 at the time when Covid restrictions prevented people in England from meeting more than one other person outdoors.

The limited version of the report condemned a “serious failure” to observe the high standards expected of those working at the heart of Government and of the entire British public during the Covid pandemic.

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However, in an interview with BBC Look North, the MP defended the Prime Minister's behaviour and urged the public to move on.

The MP said: "I think we need to accept that the Prime Minister has apologised.

"He understands that frustration and anger and disappointment shared by many backbenchers including myself and many of our constituents not able to visit family and friends, weren't able to look after people as they were dying or able to attend family events.

"He fully understands that. That anger, frustration and disappointment is palpable, I acknowledge that."

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