…By Henry George for TDPel Media.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has voiced his opinion that Shaun Bailey, his former opponent in the mayoral election, should have his pending peerage revoked in light of the recent ‘partygate’ video.
Speaking during Mayor’s Question Time, Khan expressed the anger of Londoners towards the video and emphasized that those involved should be held accountable instead of being rewarded.
The Controversial Video and its Impact:
Last week, the Sunday Mirror released a video showing Conservative activists engaging in dancing and joking about circumventing Covid restrictions during a gathering that took place in December 2020.
At the time, London was under Tier 2 Covid restrictions, which prohibited indoor social gatherings.
The event was dubbed “The Shaun Bailey for London Holiday Party” on the invitation.
Khan believes that the individuals present in the video should face consequences for their actions, rather than being granted privileges.
Implications for Shaun Bailey’s Peerage:
Shaun Bailey, who was the Conservative candidate in the mayoral race, was offered a peerage by Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier this month.
Reports suggest that he is expected to enter the House of Lords on July 18.
However, Khan has now suggested that Bailey’s impending peerage should be reconsidered due to the controversy surrounding the ‘partygate’ video.
Absence at Mayor’s Question Time:
During the recent Mayor’s Question Time session, Shaun Bailey was absent.
Assembly chairman Andrew Boff explained that Bailey was not present due to a personal bereavement, without providing further details.
This absence prevented Bailey from addressing the accusations made against him and responding to Khan’s call for his peerage to be revoked.
Police Review and Potential Fines:
Law enforcement authorities are currently reviewing the ‘partygate’ video.
Mark Rowley, the commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, has indicated that fines may be imposed following the investigation.
The outcome of this review could have legal implications for the individuals involved in the gathering, further intensifying the controversy.
Public Disrepute and Khan’s Response:
Leonie Cooper, a Labour Assembly Member, questioned Khan about the video’s impact on the reputation of public figures.
In response, Khan expressed his concerns about “lawmakers being lawbreakers” and referred to it as a “plague on all our houses.”
He also highlighted the contrast between leading Conservatives attending parties and Londoners facing strict restrictions on funeral attendance during that period.
Conclusion:
The ‘partygate’ video featuring Conservative activists engaging in merrymaking while London was under Covid restrictions has sparked public outrage.
Sadiq Khan has called for Shaun Bailey’s impending peerage to be revoked, emphasizing the need for accountability.
As the police review the video and potential fines loom, the controversy surrounding the incident continues to grow, prompting scrutiny of the behavior and integrity of public figures.