The former Tory mayoral candidate facing criticism for attending a Christmas party while they were banned under coronavirus restrictions once said he was worried that people thought the law didn’t apply to them – and now he looks very silly indeed.
In June 2020, Shaun Bailey appeared on Talk Radio to discuss a street party that had taken place in Brixton, south London that turned violent with 22 police officers injured and said it was important to prevent events like these happening.
Following the interview, he tweeted: “The recent scenes in Brixton worried me. I’m worried that people think the law doesn’t apply to them.
“Worried that the Mayor will support the police when it suits him, but not when it doesn’t”.
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The recent scenes in Brixton worried me.
— Shaun Bailey (@ShaunBaileyUK) June 26, 2020
I'm worried that people think the law doesn’t apply to them. Worried that the Mayor will support the police when it suits him, but not when it doesn't.
The Mayor can only be on one side: public safety.@TalkRadio this morning👇🏾 pic.twitter.com/oWihVGvHsG
Now, we know that in December that year, 24 people including himself and Tory donor Nick Candy attended a party at the Tory headquarters, organised by his campaign, with catered food and drink.
"I'm worried that people think the law doesn’t apply to them." pic.twitter.com/TDzkS08ZqR
— Adam Bienkov (@AdamBienkov) December 14, 2021
Last week, a Tory spokesman admitted the party took place and told the Times: “Senior CCHQ (Conservative Campaign Headquarters) 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.
“Formal disciplinary action was taken against the four CCHQ staff who were seconded to the Bailey campaign.”
Upon the Mirror yesterday publishing photos of the event, Bailey has now also reportedly resigned from his role as chair of the London Assembly police and crime committee.
He has also now apologised “unreservedly” for attending the “gathering”.
I want to apologise unreservedly for attending a gathering held by some of my staff in my campaign office last December. 1/3
— Shaun Bailey (@ShaunBaileyUK) December 15, 2021
It is not the only comment made by Bailey that is being reassessed in light of the recent revelations. People have found an old tweet made six days after the party about Covid restrictions which now seems pretty disingenuous.
But complaining about not following the law then appearing to also break these guidelines? Pretty awkward all things considered.
At least they had fun – maybe.
