A COUNTY Durham MP has apologised to a political rival after she allegedly berated him over disputed claims Covid rules may have been breached in her constituency offence.
Richard Holden said he accepted Mary Kelly Foy’s apology after the incident in front of other MPs and their partners on the terrace of House of Commons on Tuesday.
The Durham City MP was said to have been furious at Mr Holden for calling on Durham Constabulary to reinvestigate claims Labour leader Keir Starmer broke lockdown laws when he visited last year as part of the Hartlepool by-election campaign.
Mr Holden, who represents North West Durham, said: “Mary Kelly Foy has given me a wholehearted apology after, unprovoked, she approached, berated and grabbed me on the terrace of parliament on Tuesday evening in front of other MPs and members of staff.
“I have accepted her apology and considered the matter closed.”
The incident stemmed from Mr Holden’s letter and Freedom of Information request to Durham Constabulary regarding their investigation into the visit by senior Labour figures on April 30, 2021.
In February, the force said it did not believe any laws had been broken and has this week said it is not currently reinvestigating the case.
Mr Holden claims assurances ‘inquiries will be made with the investigation team’ by the Deputy Chief Constable means it is possible the case could be reopened.
Meanwhile, Labour has now reportedly confirmed Angela Rayner was also at the gathering despite having previously said the Deputy Labour Leader was not at the event in Redhills: Durham Miners’ Hall.
The Northern Echo attended a photocall in Durham City the following day with Ms Rayner and Sir Keir.
It comes amid suggestions from Labour MP Kevan Jones that call to reinvestigate is merely a tactic to distract attention from fixed penalty notices issued to the Prime Minister and Chancellor for ‘partygate’ rule-breaking at Downing Street.
Mr Holden said it was about ensuring the rules were applied fairly to everyone.
He said: “It is about the honesty and integrity of politics and if someone keeps pointing the finger at someone and saying X, Y and Z, then I can’t, and the Labour Party, can’t legitimately discern from what the Prime Minister has done and what Keir Starmer looks to have done.
“They can’t give an explanation as to what the differences are.
“What is good enough for everyone else in the country, including the Prime Minister, has to be good enough for Keir Starmer as well.”
Mary Kelly Foy has declined to comment on the parliament terrace issue and the Redhills gathering when given the opportunity.
The Northern Echo has been referred to the Labour Party’s central press team, which has also been asked for statements on both matters.
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