Political rivals have slammed Watford’s MP for repeatedly failing to respond to the partygate scandal for over a week.

The row has erupted again after Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak were given a fixed penalty notice for breaking Covid rules after months of denials.

Having rebuffed calls to resign, the focus has now shifted to whether backbench Conservative MPs will continue to back the Prime Minister or vote to remove him.

Watford representative Dean Russell has been repeatedly contacted by the Watford Observer since Wednesday last week but received no response.

Cllr Ian Stotesbury, the former Watford parliamentary candidate for the Liberal Democrats, said that demanding scrutiny should “be the least” that the MP does “when it’s clear this Prime Minister isn’t fit to lead”.

Watford Observer: Cllr Ian Stotesbury Cllr Ian Stotesbury

He said: "Ultimately we know that the Prime Minister has broken the laws he made - after telling parliament he wasn't even aware of parties at his own home.

“The pandemic has had huge, tragic, impacts on the lives of everyone and should not be brushed off by anyone - least of all the people setting the rules.

“MPs are in parliament to represent their constituents, not their party, and should remember that their actions matter.”

Meanwhile Cllr Asif Khan, who is standing as Watford’s Mayoral candidate for the Labour party, was also critical of the MP’s silence.

Watford Observer: Watford Labour mayoral candidate Cllr Asif KhanWatford Labour mayoral candidate Cllr Asif Khan

He said: “Boris Johnson's position is untenable and he should resign. While the rest of us were following the rules, he was partying away, broke the law and was fined for it.

“Dean Russell must now come out clearly and condemn the actions of Boris Johnson and call for his resignation. His silence speaks volumes.”

Hertsmere’s Oliver Dowden was the only local MP to actually speak out on the matter, although his comment was shared to the public and not to the Observer.

The chairman of the Conservatives tweeted: “The Prime Minister has provided a full explanation and apology for what happened in Downing Street.

“At a time when we face an energy crisis and conflict in Ukraine, I’m fully behind him in getting on with the job.”