Two Conservative councillors have engaged in a public spat after one appeared to publicly challenge the local MPs’ silence regarding the ‘partygate’ scandal. 

Bracknell Forest Councillor for Crown Wood, Marc Brunel-Walker, took to Twitter on Saturday to question Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s justification for attending gatherings in No 10 and to ask constituency MP James Sunderland whether the PM should resign. 

He said: “[James Sunderland] if I called the funeral of a close family member a ‘leaving do’ then I could have gone. I followed the rules. 

“Do you think Boris Johnson should stay or [go].” 

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This prompted a response from the chairman of Bracknell Conservatives and Winkfield Parish Council councillor for Ascot Priory, Gerry Barber – who is also the chief of staff to Mr Sunderland. 

He said: “Really Marc? Asking the question OK but please stop tagging James. One might have the opinion that you are working against him.” 

Allegations of lockdown breaches in No 10 were first reported by The Daily Mirror in November 2021. Mr Sunderland publicly commented on the reports in January of this year when he stated he was “furious” by the government’s lack of grip and that something had “clearly gone wrong” with the political machine. 

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On April 12, Mr Johnson received a fine for attending an event to celebrate his birthday party in June 2020 – where one Conservative MP claimed he was “ambushed with a cake.” 

When he failed to be fined again for any of the 11 other Downing Street parties investigated by the Metropolitain Police, Mr Sunderland said it was time to “wholly focus on tackling current priorities.” 

So far, he hasn’t publicly backed Mr Johnson nor called for his resignation. 

Following Cllr Barber's interjection, Cllr Brunel-Walker responded sarcastically that it was “entirely right” that Mr Sunderland’s chief of staff rebuked him for mentioning him. 

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Once again tagging the MP, Cllr Brunel-Walker said: “Unbelievable! Is this how bad things are that people can’t ask elected MPs their opinion publicly? 

“I wish to offer a full and sincere apology for having the temerity to ask you a question about your position on Boris Johnson.” 

In 2019, Cllr Brunel-Walker was overlooked as a prospective parliamentary candidate for the general election. Mr Sunderland went on to win the nomination and subsequently his seat as an MP after Mr Johnson’s landslide victory. 

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Cllr Brunel-Walker continued to post his displeasure the following day, saying it was “completely wrong” to criticise a party member for publicly asking the local MP about the prime minister. 

He added: “[…] I do suggest its perhaps time to rethink if there is a conflict of interest in the role of Chief of Staff, AND Association Chairman.”