Prime minister Boris Johnson has sparked fury once again after an image emerged appearing to show him on a train without a mask on – against his own government’s advice on the wearing of face coverings in “crowded and enclosed areas”.
The snap, shared in The Mirror on Saturday, was reportedly taken during Johnson’s journey to Warrington Bank Quay from Manchester’s Oxford Road station.
It comes after the politician came under fire for not wearing a mask in a Northumberland hospital, and prior to that he was seen maskless next to 95-year-old legend David Attenborough at the Cop26 summit in Glasgow.
In a statement commenting on the prime minister’s actions at the climate conference, a Downing Street spokesperson said: “The prime minister has abided by the Covid-19 guidance at COP26 throughout. Attendees and delegates are not required to wear a face mask when they are seated as per the COP26 guidance.”
As for the visit to Hexham General Hospital, Mr Johnson apologised on Wednesday for what he said was “barely 30 seconds when I wasn’t wearing a mask”.
“I walked out of the room mistakenly not wearing it. I put it on as soon as I realised I had made the mistake. I apologise for that,” he told the group of select committee chairs.
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Now, The Mirror cites a source who claims that the prime minister “and a few of his people” were “noticeably not wearing a mask”.
“Unlike the rest of the passengers,” they added.
Boris Johnson caught without mask again hours after apologising for not wearing one https://t.co/xOOdxtcJ3s pic.twitter.com/eILSbnmJno
— The Mirror (@DailyMirror) November 20, 2021
The newspaper continued to say that the Tory leader’s latest decision contravenes UK government guidance, which reads: “You should wear face coverings in crowded and enclosed areas where you come into contact with people you don’t usually meet.”
People have since taken to Twitter to condemn the prime minister’s maskless appearance, accusing Mr Johnson of “utter contempt”.
This is absolutely reprehensible & just days after he broke the rules at Hexham hospital. It demonstrates pathetically weak & reckless leadership, is insulting to NHS staff who have sacrificed so much to keep us safe & treats the public with utter contempt https://t.co/m8fqZ28sHQ
— Peter Stefanovic (@PeterStefanovi2) November 21, 2021
Anyone would think he doesn’t learn his lessons, repeats harmful mistakes and isn’t sincere when he apologises… https://t.co/Yyb1SpGE25
— Larry the Cat (@Number10cat) November 21, 2021
This person has made it quite clear no matter what the rules are they don't apply to him.
— Jonquil (@JonquilLucy) November 20, 2021
He couldn't make it any clearer.
— calon lan 🏴 💙 (@richierees30) November 20, 2021
Happy to take any opportunity to wear a hard hat and hi-vis though. So obviously not averse to some kinds of PPE.
— Jenny Sherman (@xmlgeek) November 21, 2021
Guy who's number one job should be to protect us doesn't care about us.
— Lewis Sutton (@Lewis_Sutton) November 20, 2021
What an absolute twonk, the man has zero idea of setting an example and his act of being one of us needs to stop. The illusion is over.
— NannyPlum (@Josie19752) November 21, 2021
Boris Johnson seen without mask on crowded train - hours after first apology https://t.co/NhYdzCkiqL
so it seems boris johnson has been caught red handed yet again without a mask after he has been lecturing us while he does the opposite. how stupid does he think we are as we saw him not wearing a mask at cop 26 and the hospital
— Alfie Turner (@AlfieTurner2) November 20, 2021
— #WeAreSoF**ked💙😷 3.5%🇪🇺⭐🕯️ Fiery #RejoinEU (@FirehorseP) November 21, 2021
Can you pull the emergency cord if you're on public transport and Boris Johnson gets on without a mask?
— Sarah Hurst (@Life_Disrupted) November 21, 2021
Indy100 has approached No 10 for comment.
