Local MPs have ducked saying whether Prime Minister Boris Johnson should resign after he attended lockdown-busting social drinks.

He admitted attending the "bring your own booze" gathering in Downing Street's garden on May 20, 2020, but said he believed it was a "work event" and he was not sent an email encouraging staff to bring a bottle and “make the most of the lovely weather”.

Despite a huge backlash Mr Johnson's press secretary insisted he was not a liar and “he is not resigning”.

The Watford Observer approached local MPs – Dean Russell, Oliver Dowden, Gagan Mohindra and Sir Mike Penning – over the initial news before Mr Johnson’s apology.

Dean Russell is the only MP so far to respond - with a brief comment

They were asked how they felt over the reports of a gathering, whether it was wrong for Mr Johnson to have attended, and whether they back some calls for his resignation – and were then pressed with further questions following the apology.

At the time of publishing, just Mr Russell responded with a brief comment.

Watford’s MP said: “I entirely understand why people are angry and disappointed that this event took place.

“The Prime Minister has quite rightly apologised unreservedly, and I hope to read Sue Gray’s report in full in the near future.”

Dean Russell is the only MP so far to respond - with a brief comment

 

Mr Dowden, Mr Mohindra and Sir Mike have not responded and are yet to publicly comment on the situation.