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Flaminia Luck

Hexham MP who lost twin babies in pandemic criticises PM Boris Johnson for Downing Street parties

Guy Opperman, Pensions Minister and MP for Hexham, has criticsed the PM for his attendance to multiple lockdown drinks parties at Number 10.

The MP told the BBC in May 2020 he could not visit his wife and sons in hospital due to Covid restrictions at the time.

His twin baby boys, Rafe and Teddy sadly died not long afterwards.

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Guy Opperman on his wedding day (Digby Oldridge/PR Eye)

This tragedy occurred at the same time Boris Johnson attended a BYOB party in the garden of Downing Street.

Speaking to BBC's Politics North programme, he said: "I feel pretty emotional about this because in May 2020 my wife and kids were unwell and they went to hospital.

"I was not able to go there to support them.

"And I've got constituents who couldn't go to the care homes, to funerals who were obviously obeying the rules and quite clearly in No 10 at that time there were a number of people not behaving appropriately.

"I feel pretty emotional that I wasn't able to support my wife and kids."

Guy Opperman on his wedding day (Digby Oldridge/PR Eye)

This party also took place the night before the Queen followed the rules and attended Prince Philip's funeral alone.

However, Mr Opperman has said the PM should stay in post and the investigation into Downing Street parties should be completed.

The MP for Hexham said that Johnson needed to change his ways and get better people around him.

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