07 April 2020

Town Mayor expelled by Labour party for saying of Boris Johnson's illness, 'he completely deserves this'

A town mayor and Labour councillor has been expelled by the party for saying Boris Johnson 'deserved' to be admitted to intensive care with coronavirus.

Cllr Sheila Oakes wrote on Faceboook: "Sorry, he completely deserves this and he is one of the worst PMs we’ve ever had." 

Her comment followed a chain of messages asking people to 'say a little prayer' in support of Mr Johnson and the medical staff caring for him.

Cllr Oakes, mayor of Heanor in Derbyshire and a member of Amber Valley Borough Council, later apologised 'unreservedly' for her comment but following an inquiry had the whip removed by Amber Valley Labour Group.

Oakes' comments were met with anger from other facebook users (Facebook: Sheila Oakes)

The Prime Minister was admitted to St Thomas' hospital on Sunday night and was subsequently moved to intensive care late on Monday following a deterioration of his condition.

A spokesperson for the group told Derbyshire Live: "Following comments from Councillor Oakes on social media, which we utterly condemn, the Amber Valley Labour group withdrew the whip this morning, and can now announce this now the whip has spoken to Councillor Oakes.

"This means that Councillor Oakes does not currently sit as a Labour councillor and further due process will follow."

They added: "We wish the Prime Minister and all who are suffering with this awful disease, a speedy recovery and send love and solidarity to them and their families."

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