A Lancashire MP has moved to explain why he has been living 130 miles away from his constituency during the coronavirus lockdown.
Recently Mr Berry has faced widespread criticism on social media since rumours emerged he has been living in Anglesey.
Jake Berry MP, who represents Rossendale with Darwen, has been living on Anglesey, an island off the north west of Wales, since before the stringent lockdown rules were announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on March 23.
The lockdown rules set out by Mr Johnson told residents across the United Kingdom to stay at home as part of efforts to beat Covid-19 and protect the NHS.
Those guidelines have since been relaxed as of yesterday (May 13), with more freedom to leave the home, travel, and exercise, while maintaining social distancing guidelines.
Speaking to LancsLive, a Conservative Party spokesperson said Mr Berry had been at his property in Anglesey after visiting family before lockdown was announced.
During this time, a family member showed symptoms of coronavirus, after which he has made the conscious decision to stay on the Welsh island for public health reasons, rather than move back to his constituency home.
He continues to follow government guidelines, according to the spokesperson.
A spokesperson on behalf of Jake Berry MP said: "During a visit to Wales a family member of Mr Berry started showing signs of Coronavirus, this visit was prior to the Government decision to lockdown.
"They followed NHS advice to self-isolate and were self-isolating as lockdown came in.
"They have stayed in Wales during lockdown and continued to follow government guidelines.
“Mr Berry continues to work tirelessly on behalf of his constituents, helping them with the issues that have arisen during the outbreak of Coronavirus.”
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