Vikki Slade: People will “kick the Conservatives out of office” next year

BCP Councillor Vikki Slade is “confident” that people will “kick out” the Conservatives in BCP by next year.

This follows further damning evidence to suggest a social party was held in Downing Street during lockdown. 

The Liberal Democrats councillor in Mid Dorset and North Poole said: “Locally I know of some people who have now declared they cannot support the party any longer and combined with crazy decisions and reckless spending we are confident that people will conclude next year that they want to kick out the Conservatives from office, nationally and at BCP.” 

The comments come after Boris Johnson faced more pressure today following leaked emails which reveal a party at Downing Street was arranged while the country was in lockdown. 

The email, sent out by the PM’s Private Secretary Martin Reynolds on 20 May 2020, said: “Hi all, after what has been an incredibly busy period it would be nice to make the most of the lovely weather and have some socially distanced drinks in the No10 garden this evening.  

“Please join us from 6pm and bring your own booze!” 

Ms Slade added: “We have all known for months that the PM would have been aware of these parties, and probably in attendance at many of them. 

“Until now he has managed to dodge responsibility on a technicality but there is surely no getting out of this. 

“The email is crystal clear that this is purely social.” 

Ms Slade was the leader of the council at the time, and said she was working “day and night” in order to support people whose weddings were cancelled and trying to help people understand the rules around mixing and groups. 

She said: “The anger from the public that there is one rule for Mr Johnson and his friends whilst we did our best to keep other people safe is growing and I do think he should be considering his position.  

“What is worse is the way he laughs off these things, which must be heart-breaking for those people who are unable to visit dying relatives.  

“The Conservatives are proving time and again that they have no respect for people or for the rule of law.”

Mr Johnson has previously said on record that all social distancing rules were observed, but has not denied attending any parties held in Downing Street.  

Residents of Bournemouth today joined in the condemnation of Mr Johnson, with one man saying: “I think Boris should resign, but he won’t do.”

Another man believes our attention should be put elsewhere, saying: “Justice would be better served through social justice such as addressing racism, rather than concentrating on a party that happened two years ago.”