HUMZA Yousaf has hit out after a leaked video appeared to show Tory Party staff dancing and joking about Covid restrictions during the height of the pandemic.
In the video, obtained by the Mirror, one attendee can be heard saying: “As long as we don’t stream that we’re, like, bending the rules,” before laughing while a man and woman hold hands and dance.
The First Minister said the clip proved they were “literally mocking us”, and called on Douglas Ross to ensure his Scottish Conservative MPs vote to sanction Boris Johnson – who has been found to have deliberately and repeatedly lied to parliament over the partygate scandal.
They're seen living it up as lockdown hit millions. pic.twitter.com/vIHbuIruLN
— The Mirror (@DailyMirror) June 17, 2023
Although he has already resigned as an MP, the disgraced former prime minister faces a vote in the Commons on Monday which will see parliamentarians decide whether they would have approved the 90-day suspension for Johnson proposed by the Privileges Committee.
Most Tory MPs are expected to abstain, according to reports, but Yousaf called on Ross to “grow a backbone”.
Reacting to the leaked video, the SNP leader wrote: “They are literally mocking us.
“People had to miss funerals of loved ones, all the while, Johnson and many of his Tory Party colleagues thought the rules didn't apply to them.
“Douglas Ross should grow a backbone and demand his Scottish Tory MPs vote to sanction Boris tomorrow.”
At least 24 people were reportedly at the party in the leaked video, which took place at Conservative Party headquarters on December 14, 2020, when indoor socialising was banned under Tier 2 restrictions.
Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner said the footage shows Tories “openly mocked the rules the British people followed” while Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper said it should make ministers “sick to their stomachs”.
“Revellers at this lockdown Tory booze-up openly mocked the rules the British people followed. The Tories think it’s one rule for them and one rule for everyone else,” Rayner said.
“Instead of forcing them to face the consequences, Rishi Sunak has caved into Boris Johnson’s demands and chosen to reward them with honours. It’s a sickening insult.
“This Prime Minister is failing to deliver the integrity he promised and showing he’s too weak to turn the page on 13 years of Tory scandal.”
A CCHQ spokesperson said: “Senior CCHQ staff became aware of an unauthorised social gathering in the basement of Matthew Parker Street organised by the Bailey campaign on the evening of December 14 2020.
“Formal disciplinary action was taken against the four CCHQ staff who were seconded to the Bailey campaign.”
The Scottish Tories have been asked for comment.
