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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Sarah Ward & Ruth Suter & Fionnuala Boyle

'Hero' Glasgow nurse died from Covid on same day as alleged Downing Street Christmas do

A nurse described as a 'hero' and 'incredibly compassionate' died from covid on the same day as an alleged party took place in Downing Street - breaking lockdown rules.

Ana Lisa had worked as a staff nurse at Stobhill Hospital but moved to the Glasgow Royal Infirmary to help out with the "staffing crisis" during the pandemic, but died on December 15 2020.

She was among nearly 50 people to die over the dates of alleged lockdown breaking parties enjoyed by UK Government officials.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde described Ana as "an incredibly compassionate nurse" as health chiefs paid tributes to the "hero" employee.

On the same day, the Prime Minister appeared on contestants' screens at a Downing Street quiz but later insisted he broke no rules.

An image published by a national newspaper showed Mr Johnson flanked by colleagues - one draped in tinsel and another wearing a Santa hat in No 10.

The day after Ana Lisa's death, senior civil servants at the Department for Transport allegedly planned a bash from Transport Secretary Grant Shapps' office.

The DfT has apologised after claims of "boozing and dancing" at the party.

Figures show 47 people in the Glasgow region lost their lives to the virus on the same dates UK Government officials are accused of holding social gatherings.

A string of reported events - including two on the eve of the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral - allegedly took place when strict regulations were set upon the country.

Glasgow Royal Infirmary (DAILY RECORD)

According to reports, there were at least 15 gatherings held during a spell where officials from Downing Street, Whitehall and Tory HQ are accused of breaking lockdown laws, from May 15, 2020 to April 18, 2021.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is accused of attending at least five of the events as he now faces mounting pressure to resign.

Downing Street admitted Mr Johnson "briefly" attended the quiz after the photographic evidence emerged but insisted it was a virtual event.

Four days prior to the quiz, a fridge with the capacity for 34 wine bottles was delivered through the back door of No 10.

Met Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said "several other events" that appeared to have taken place in Downing Street and Whitehall had also been assessed, but they were not thought to have reached the threshold for criminal investigation."

Glasgow Tory councillor, Thomas Kerr, who represents Shettleston, has since hit out at his own leader, describing his actions as "indefensible".

Cllr Kerr said: "When these breaches of Covid laws first came to light, I made my position very clear and that has not changed.

"Like Douglas Ross, I believe that regrettably the Prime Minister's position is untenable and he must resign.

"I am a Conservative to my core but his actions are indefensible and it is now time for fresh leadership."

Carol Monaghan, SNP MP for Glasgow North West, said: "Boris Johnson's conduct has been a disgrace.

"It is clear that the Prime Minister believed that the rules he set didn't apply to him as he partied away in Downing Street with his Tory colleagues.

"While people in Glasgow and across the UK made some difficult sacrifices - including not being with their loved ones in their final moments - Boris Johnson blatantly broke the rules with countless boozy parties.

"He repeatedly broke the rules and lied about it.

"Tory MPs must remove him without further delay. The longer they wait, the more damage they do to public trust and the effectiveness of any future public health messaging."

Cllr Martha Wardrop, co-convenor of the Scottish Greens councillor group, added: "It was already a heartbreaking time for Glaswegians, but knowing the Prime Minister didn't bother following his own rules at the time is difficult to process.

"I can't imagine there are many in this city who don't think he should resign immediately."

Willie Duffy, Scotland's head of health, said: "The lockdown rules have been hard on everyone, though we are thankful the majority of people followed the rules to protect both our NHS and each other.

"Our dedicated NHS staff have worked tirelessly to care for others throughout the pandemic - often while putting their own health and that of their families at risk.

"It is hugely painful for health workers who have lost colleagues throughout this period and our thoughts are with all the families who lost loved ones.

"In the event people are found to have broken the rules then we would expect the strictest action to be taken against them."

The Conservative Party and Downing Street have been approached for comment.

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