ONE thousand six hundred people have now signed a petition calling for the resignation of Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely.

It follows Mr Seely's apology on Friday, issued through the Isle of Wight County Press, weeks after he attended a barbecue in Seaview despite lockdown rules.

Today (Tuesday), Mr Seely has spoken exclusively to the Isle of Wight County Press.

He said: "The regret is genuine. I had had a long week, and this was one just one of a small number of constituency visits in my diary where I was meeting people face-to-face, at a social distance, across the Island. I didn’t think it through, assuming this was just another such meeting, in the same format as the others. The last few days have not been pleasant, but I only have myself to blame."

Read today's comments in full here: Will he resign? Read MP's Sausagegate answers here

Read the original article: 'I called it wrong' – MP admits attending Seaview gathering

Mr Seely told the County Press he met Freddy Gray, deputy editor of The Spectator, in the garden of a house in the village. There were other people present, one of whom was prominent political journalist Isabel Oakeshott and her partner, Richard Tice from The Brexit Party.

The story was published by The Guardian on Friday (read it HERE).

Mr Seely admitted having a 'couple of sausages' at the gathering, which he said was not a party.

He said he had not expected other people to be at the property, which he attended with his girlfriend.

Mr Seely has been spearheading the coronavirus test and trace app for the Isle of Wight, which was launched in a bid to stop the spread of the virus.

There was a mixed response on social media over the weekend, as the story was covered by national newspapers and broadcasters. A number of memes have also been widely shared.

Petition launched

Many have expressed anger, with nearly one thousand five hundred people signing a petition calling for Mr Seely's resignation.

Set up by the Isle of Wight Green Party's campaigns officer Cameron Palin, it reads: "Bob Seely MP for the Isle of Wight must resign for breaking lockdown rules.

"For this reason, I deem it necessary to call for the resignation of Bob Seely, MP for the Isle of Wight, and urge a by-election when it is possible to do so."

See the petition HERE. 

The Isle of Wight County Press has asked Mr Seely for an interview and updated comment.