A by-election candidate says people should not to let anger over Downing Street parties during lockdown stop them from taking steps to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The Government will introduce new measures in the coming days, including reintroducing face mask requirements.
But the announcement was made against the backdrop of allegations that a party was held at Number 10 during the lockdown period last year.
Dr Mark Pritchard, Labour’s candidate for the Armitage with Handsacre by-election at Lichfield District Council, said the anger at the situation should not distract from the danger posed by the new Covid variant.
“I understand why people are so upset and angry after seeing staff in Downing Street joke about having a party against the rules.
“I share those feelings.
“These events have led some to question the new restrictions that are being announced. But we didn’t go through the difficulties of the past year for the benefit of people in Whitehall – we did it to protect our families, friends and neighbours.
“When I talk to people about infectious diseases, they overwhelmingly want to do the right thing. We mustn’t simply take this good will for granted.
“Almost two years into the pandemic, it is getting harder for people who have done the right thing throughout to see the pay-off. But with the speed that the Omicron variant is spreading, we all need to step up again.
“I will be following the new restrictions for the benefit of my family and my community, and I encourage everyone across the area to do the same.”
Dr Mark Pritchard
Dr Pritchard’s comments come after it was confirmed a first case of the Omicron variant had been found in Lichfield.
Voters in the Armitage and Handsacre ward will go to the polls on 16th December to elect a new district council representative. The candidates standing are:
- Richard Cross – Conservative
- Dr Mark Pritchard – Labour
The restrictions are ridiculous though, they won’t help much.
I’m pleased about the work from home advice but can still go to parties 🤦♀️
The anger isn’t about Whitehall alone, it’s symptomatic of a useless Tory govt who can’t lead their way out of a wet paper bag.
Suggest stick to local issues which are within your remit. Illusions of grandeur are unbecoming!!
I don’t see how these things are related. I have my opinions on the performance of the government and frankly am very critical of those who have been elected to serve us. I am equally critical of the opposition who have failed to offer a credible alternative.
I do not need a mandate from any government to do all I can to suppress the spread of the current virus. I know enough history to understand what the consequences could be. Our family life, like many others, has been on hold; more so because my wife needs shileding.
If there is any influence on the election regarding the epidemic then it should be how the government handled it. False information and poor handling at the beginning and strategies that caused their own problems. Are they worth another chance? Well no. But where is the electable replacement?
Philip, the local tories are part of the party which has got us here now, they’re all part of the same thing.
I will never forget when the mp tweeted about remongers and not one local Tory Cllr said a word about it. I’m certain they thought it was disgusting and inappropriate language personally but not one of them stood up against the mp’s words.
And Fabricant really is the govt’s ‘useful idiot’ so yes, they’re all linked.
Regarding local issues well, what do tories do, it seems to me they agree to build houses and when they’ve done that, they agree some more.
@flo – COVID-19 is both a local and a national issue, it’s inextricably linked. I understand that Dr Pritchard works in public health and therefore will have an interest in the pandemic and how it affects people locally, so I don’t think it’s unreasonable for him to want to talk about it.
@Philip. In defence of the opposition (Labour and others), they have been calling on the Government all along to act faster and more decisively. Boris has generally done what they proposed only after a one or two weeks of disastrous delay. Keir is not “Captain Hindsight” as Boris and his party continuously maintain. He has always been well ahead of the Government on what needs to be done. The opposition are far more credible than the current shambolic Government.
@Philip : For once I find myself fully agreeing on everything said in a post on Covid & political matters. Well said Philip.