ROSIE DUFFIELD has resigned as a Labour whip and apologised after it was revealed she broke lockdown restrictions.
The Mail on Sunday revealed she met her married partner for a long walk in April. This happened before lockdown restrictions were eased allowing members of different households to meet. Ms Duffield said: “My partner and I have been attempting to navigate a difficult personal situation as responsibly as possible.
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“I apologise that during that process, we breached the guidelines.”
“A relationship breakdown is difficult at the best of times, let alone during a pandemic.
“I hope people can understand why I took the steps I did and know that I take responsibility for the breaches that occurred and for which I apologise.”
Ms Duffield told the Mail that the couple ensured social distancing during the walk.
It is understood that the couple are now living together at the same property after the partner separated from his wife.
Ms Duffield has been Canterbury MP since the 2017 election.
She beat former Tory minister Julian Brazier after increasing the Labour vote share by more than a fifth.
Her majority was just 187.
However, she held onto the seat in the December election.
Her majority increased to 1,836
This report comes following the news of Dominic Cummings driving from London to Durham whilst he was supposed to be self-isolating so he could be near his parents if he and his wife became too ill to look after their son.
Several opposition figures have called on Mr Cummings to resign or be sacked, but Boris Johnson has backed his aide so far, though some reports suggest he has given him an ultimatum to avoid any further media firestorms.
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