ILKLEY'S MP Robbie Moore has tackled Prime Minister Boris Johnson this week about the 'rage and anger' he shares with constituents over Downing Street lockdown parties.

Following the publication of the Sue Gray Report Mr Moore has spoken directly with the Prime Minister and told him the current situation "is not sustainable and that things must change”.

Mr Moore said since the stories first emerged, Keighley and Ilkley constituents have shared some deep, personal stories regarding their own experiences during the pandemic.

In response the Tory MP who was elected in 2019 said: "I know how difficult this was for so many, especially those having to self-isolate for long periods, unable to see loved ones, friends or family, with some constituents spending their last days alone. This has been heart-breaking to hear."

He welcomed the "significant amount of correspondence on this issue" and added: "I totally share the rage and anger that many have quite rightly expressed to me."

He added: "Tuesday’s publication has confirmed the fury and disgust I already had about the reported parties and social events, and indeed the culture of rule-breaking in Downing Street which seems to have existed during the successive lockdown periods.

"In this same period, we learn that a number of staff at Downing Street who continued to travel into their place of work to undertake work duties also abused the very rules they helped create by hosting, organising or attending social gatherings within Downing Street. This in my view is a complete dereliction of duty, and something which I cannot and will not defend.

"The complete lack of judgement made by the leadership in Downing Street is impossible to justify and clearly this needs to change. Sue Gray’s ‘update’ states that 'at least some of the gatherings represent a serious failure to observe not just the high standards expected of those working at the heart of government but also the standards expected of the entire British population at the time'.

"There have been clear failings. Public trust and confidence have been severely eroded by these revelations.

"It is frustrating that on Tuesday we only saw an ‘update’ by Sue Gray which fell short of what many people were expecting. I made it very clear to Government that we need to see the report in full, and it is right that the Government have committed to its full publication when this is permitted in line with investigations by the Metropolitan Police.

"Should the ongoing police investigation conclude that there is evidence warranting proceedings against any individuals involved, then I would expect those proceedings to be taken forward as they would against any other member of the public.

"I have spoken directly with the Prime Minister this week and told him the current situation is not sustainable and that things must change.

"As a hard-working constituency MP, it is deeply disappointing to me that these events are distracting from the important work that I want to get on with to improve our community for the better. Such as securing a rebuild of the Airedale Hospital, tackling crime, drug use and anti-social behaviour, improving children’s services and focusing on enhancing the economic opportunities for our area.

"These are some of my top priorities and I want to be able to give them my full attention."