There were some serious tension on the Loose Women panel on Thursday as Kaye Adams took on Linda Robson in a tense spat over the Downing Street party rule breaks.
This week the lockdown gatherings have been in the headlines more than ever after it was confirmed that both Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak had received fines from the Met Police for attending parties, while the country was subject to strict coronavirus restrictions. The matter had already been debated just a day earlier on the ITV lunchtime show, when the panel, the including Denise Welch, discussed whether or not the Prime Minister should go as a result of his flouting of the rules set out by his own Government.
Hosting Thursday's Loose Women, Kaye asked the question: 'Can the PM survive more Partygate fines?' Giving her immediate response, Nadia Sawalha suggested it was time for Johnson to resign "because he broke those rules," but Linda shouted: "He didn't organise the party did he?"
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As Kaye fired back: "That doesn't matter," Linda stayed strong on her point of view, replying: "He nearly died a few weeks before, he'd been in hospital, he nearly died. He made a mistake. Also not backing down, Kaye replied: "This is a man who is a leader. Leaders should lead. Leaders should not make excuses for getting it wrong."
The TV anchor continued: "Leaders should show an example. Leaders should have integrity. Leaders should do what they say they will do. You say that to your kids from the very earliest." Linda came back at Kaye again, telling her: "They were meeting every day to discuss what was going on in the country anyway. There's nothing to compare this to; nothing like this has ever happened to us in all these years."
Becoming more exasperated, Kaye asked Linda: "Why do you want to make excuses?" before co-star Sunetra Sarker said: "That's why it's so serious."
Viewers were quick to condemn Linda, with one tweeting: "I'm curious if #LindaRobson will carry on making excuses when the further charges are made public? To ppl (sic) like Linda, Johnson is untouchable, forgiven any crime - that's why we have the lying corrupt government we have!" A second reacted: "Linda Robson defend Bozos lockdown parties on @loosewomen is absolutely disgraceful. People were not able to say goodbye to loved ones as they died at the same time Tories partied. They will NEVER get that back. Linda Robson should be embarrassed & ashamed of herself."
However, others accused Linda's Loose Women co-stars of a 'pile on' against her, with another viewer tweeting; "How dare they force their opinions on somebody who has different views than themselves?!I’d like to see Kay Adams attack @RealDeniseWelch in the same way! Absolutely disgusted at this ’Fair & unbiased chat!’"