Watch: DUP member Jim Shannon breaks down in tears as his party asks to close Downing Street

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DUP Representative Jim Shannon broke down in tears when speaking about the death of his mother-in-law during an urgent question about a Downing Street party.

PS gather in the House of Commons for the special session after more allegations emerged about the drinks party at No 10 during the first Covid lockdown.

The Strangford MP became emotional when he rose to his feet to ask Cabinet Office Minister Michael Ellis if there would be a “full and complete disclosure” of the police investigation into the party.

In an emotional contribution to the House of Commons, Mr Shannon told the Chamber: “In Northern Ireland we reached 3,000 deaths from Covid just last week. Including my mother-in-law, who died on her own.”

Mr. Shannon struggled to keep asking his question before sitting back.

In response, Mr. Ellis said: “I am very sorry for his loss. He asks me if the results of the investigation will be made public, and they will be.”

In a statement, Mr Shannon said there should be “full disclosure” in the ongoing Covid-19 investigations.

“In Northern Ireland last week we reached the touching mark of 3,000 deaths during this pandemic. My family’s experience is just one of those many cases, and until today, other MPs have also shared their own stories of loss. Ours is no different than 150 Thousands more across the UK have experienced this loss,” said MP Strangford.

“The pain of losing a loved one was compounded in many cases because regulations prevented the family from being with a loved one in their last working hours or holding a funeral in the normal way.

People should be assured that there will be full and complete disclosure of the ongoing investigations. No one can be above the rules.”

Mr. Shannon has received support from parties across the political divide, including Democratic Party leader Colom Eastwood who said, “Well done, Jim for fighting him through that question.”

MLA Alliance Kelly Armstrong tweeted her condolences: “My thoughts are with Jim Shannon and his family. I’m so sorry Jim.

“Losing a loved one is devastating. Losing a loved one when isolation rules mean they died alone is horrific. #Covid takes away so much of the opportunity to be with someone in their last days.”

Doug Petty, the leader of the United Universities Association, also showed his support on Twitter and called on the prime minister to step down.

He tweeted: “My thoughts are with @JimShannonMP as he is clearly still reeling from the loss of his family…like so many other people who have taken advice. [sic]Stick to the rules and wait as loved ones died, frightened and alone. Boris Johnson should step down as Prime Minister, or it has been once proven.”

My thoughts are with @JimShannonMP as he is clearly still struggling with the loss of his family…as do so many who have taken advice, adhered to the rules and waited because loved ones died scared and alone.

Boris Johnston should step down as prime minister if or once this is proven. https://t.co/p7NFo4eErV

— Doug Beattie (@BeattieDoug) Jan 11, 2022

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has faced calls to resign over the allegations, while his whereabouts have also been examined after he chose not to answer Labour’s urgent question about a Downing Street park rally on May 20, 2020 himself, instead being represented by the Director-General of Payroll. .

Ellis confirmed that the May 20 “Bring Your Own Alcohol” event, which more than 100 employees were invited to attend, was investigated, according to a leaked email.

But he indicated that the publication of the results of the Whitehall party investigation, led by senior official Sue Gray, may be delayed due to the growing number of allegations to be considered.

Meanwhile, House Speaker Sir Lindsey Hoyle has defended his decision to grant the urgent question, after a Conservative MP said they had to wait for evidence to be gathered.

“It is important that this place discusses such serious allegations, but we are discussing them once the evidence is gathered,” said former Conservative Minister Maria Miller.

Speaker Sir Lindsey Hoyle interrupted him, “I hope this isn’t a question for my UQ, because that’s where it looks like it’s going, I’m not going that way.”

“Sorry,” Ms Miller said and reiterated her observations, saying: “It is important that we have a discussion here on these issues once Sue Gray makes the final recommendations, because it is important that we look at the evidence.”

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