AMID calls for Boris Johnson to step down as prime minister after gatherings at Westminster during the lockdowns, we asked prominent Island Conservatives what they thought.

It is understood around 100 people were invited to a “bring-your-own-booze” drinks party in the Downing Street garden, while the rest of the country was told they could only meet one other person from another household outdoors.

Witnesses say the prime minister was among about 30 people at the gathering on May 20, 2020.

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We asked three Island Conservatives for their views, and asked: "Specifically, do you think Boris should step down now?"

Here's what they said:

Island MP Bob Seely said the Westminster issue was proving a "noisy distraction" above the real issues.

He said: “People have a right to be concerned. Thus far, I have had not had many letters on the subject, but those Islanders that have taken the time to write are clearly frustrated by the situation.

"I understand their feelings, especially those people who were kind enough to share with me their sadness at being apart from loved ones during that period. I am very sorry to hear that.

“The year 2022 should be about getting life back to normal — getting children and young people's education back to normal, catching up with the NHS backlog with the government's additional funding, and getting the economy going again — looking forward with a sense of optimism.

"These are the real issues that matter to Islanders and the life of our country, and these are the things that affect us all.

"Anything else is a noisy distraction. Regardless of events in Westminster, I will keep on making the case for the Island and fighting to get a better deal.”

Joe Robertson, leader of the Isle of Wight Council's Conservatives, said if Mr Johnson has broken the law, he should go.

He said: "I am deeply concerned by the continuing press reports about parties at No 10 Downing Street during Covid lockdowns.

"I hope the independent investigation will give its report soon.

"If someone is found to have broken the law then I don't see how they can continue in their job, and that applies to the Prime Minister too.

"It must be the same rule for everyone."

David Pugh, chair of the IW Conservative Association, did not vote for Boris Johnson in the leadership contest.

He said today: “There is understandably concern about the reports of various social gatherings taking place in Westminster during periods of lockdown and restrictions.

"As the Prime Minister has said, these matters are currently subject to an investigation, but that in itself does not seem an adequate basis on which to refuse to say whether or not he was in attendance at the gathering on May 20, 2020.

"He should issue a simple statement saying whether or not he was present.

“I will, for now, reserve any further comment until we have all seen the outcome of the investigation.”

UPDATE

Mr Pugh added recently: “With the Prime Minister having now confirmed that he was in attendance at the social gathering, it is difficult to see how this will not result (at some point in the coming weeks or months) in his departure from office.

"I will certainly be encouraging members of the Isle of Wight Conservative Association to ensure that their subscriptions are up-to-date, so they are eligible to vote in any forthcoming leadership contest.”