Macclesfield's MP has responded to Nub News' request for comment about reports of gatherings held in Downing Street last winter.

It follows last week's national news reports of two alleged Downing Street parties on November 27 and December 18, and one at the education department on December 10.

All three will be examined for Covid rule breaches by Paymaster General Michael Ellis.

David Rutley MP, who has been Macclesfield's MP since 2010, gave this statement to Macclesfield Nub News this morning, following our request for comment last week on the 'Christmas Party scandal'.

He said: "I would like to start by confirming that I did not attend the events at No 10 that are currently being investigated and know no more about them than what has been reported in the media over recent weeks.

"I understand and share the anger felt by people across the country at the video of Number 10 staff seeming to make light of lockdown measures. The Prime Minister himself has said that he was furious when he saw the [Allegra Stratton press conference] clip.

"So many of us have made considerable personal sacrifices throughout the pandemic and it is deeply uncomfortable to think that the people responsible for setting the rules may not have been following those rules.

"I welcome the Prime Minister's recent comments in the House of Commons. In these comments, he apologised for the offence caused and the impression it gives.

"Further, I am pleased that the Prime Minister made clear that even though he had been repeatedly assured that there was no party and that no Covid rules were broken in Downing Street, he has directed the Cabinet Secretary to urgently investigate this matter and other events alleged to have breached Covid regulations, establish all the facts, and report back as soon as possible.

"I welcome this investigation and believe it is vital that the facts are clearly established and put in the public domain."

"If it is found that coronavirus rules were broken, then disciplinary action will need to be taken. You can be assured that I have raised constituents' concerns on this issue with relevant Ministers and will continue to keep close to this matter over the days ahead."

It has also been confirmed that none of Mr Rutley's staff attended any of the parties.

In parliament on Tuesday evening, the 60-year-old voted for the Omicron restrictions set out by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, despite the opposition of 61 Conservatives.

David Rutley is the MP for Macclesfield & Minister for Welfare Delivery. You can contact him here.

See also: Macclesfield MP talks up Macc-made bra for breast cancer survivors with Minister.

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