THE Bexley Conservative Group has confirmed that one of its councillors was involved in Christmas party held by Tory aides during lockdown.
Blendon and Penhill Councillor Adam Wildman is pictured in the snap which was revealed by The Mirror on Tuesday, the party confirmed.
The event reportedly took place on December 14, 2020 – while Tier 2 restrictions were in place in London which banned the mixing of households indoors for social reasons.
The Bexley Conservative Group has said it is “shocked and very disappointed” by reports about a party “involving one” of its councillors while Bexley was under “tight Covid restrictions”.
The group explained that it “recognises and shares the anger it has caused.”
Bexley Conservatives added that it cannot comment further as the event in question in the photograph “is currently being investigated”.
Cllr Wildman’s Twitter page is no longer active.
The Bexley councillor is stood behind supposed party organiser Shaun Bailey – who quit as chair of the London Assembly’s police and crime committee on Tuesday night after being approached by The Mirror about the photo.
The snap shows 24 people huddled together without masks with a cold buffet in view in the bottom left corner.
Some of the group are wearing paper hats while one is sporting a House of Commons Christmas jumper.
Former London mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey has apologised “unreservedly” for attending a party at Conservative headquarters in December last year.
I want to apologise unreservedly for attending a gathering held by some of my staff in my campaign office last December. 1/3
— Shaun Bailey (@ShaunBaileyUK) December 15, 2021
It was a serious error of judgement at a time when Londoners were making immense sacrifices to keep us all safe and I regret it wholeheartedly. 3/3
— Shaun Bailey (@ShaunBaileyUK) December 15, 2021
In a tweet thread, Mr Bailey said: “I want to apologise unreservedly for attending a gathering held by some of my staff in my campaign office last December.
“I gave a speech to my team to thank them for their efforts, before leaving shortly afterwards.
“It was a serious error of judgement at a time when Londoners were making immense sacrifices to keep us all safe and I regret it wholeheartedly.”
The full Bexley Conservative Group statement about Cllr Wildman’s attendance said: “We are shocked and very disappointed by reports in the media today about a party – involving one of our own Councillors – that took place last year while Bexley residents were under very tight Covid restrictions.
“We recognise and share the anger that it has caused.
“Bexley Conservatives have always supported the measures put in place to protect lives and prevent the spread of this disease and we cannot and will not condone any actions that place these at risk.
“We understand this event is currently being investigated, so are unable to comment further, but can confirm that following our selection process earlier this year, Councillor Wildman took the decision not to stand for the Conservatives again at the election in May 2022.”
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