MP Criticised For "Defending" Boris Johnson's Jimmy Savile Comments

Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely has come in for criticism after he appeared to defend the Prime Minister over comments about Sir Keir Starmer and Jimmy Savile.

The MP told Isle of Wight Radio it is "not completely unfair and unreasonable" that the Labour leader is held responsible for his corporate failings. 

Mr Seely said "aggressive and criminal behaviour" towards politicians should not be tolerated, however.

He said:

"The Leader of the Opposition took credit for the achievements of Crown Prosecution Service, so it is not completely unfair and unreasonable that he be held responsible for its corporate failings, especially since he has already apologised for that failing.

"However, politics should always be conducted in a decent environment and abusive, aggressive or criminal behaviour should not be tolerated."

Sir Keir was mobbed by protesters in Westminster yesterday (Monday).

It follows comments made by Boris Johnson, who wrongly suggested Sir Keir Starmer had failed to prosecute Jimmy Savile while in his previous job.

Responding to Bob Seely's comments, the Isle of Wight Liberal Democrats said it was "deeply disappointed".

Nick Stuart said:

"It is surprising and deeply disappointing that Bob Seely has felt able to yet again defend the moral vacuousness and calculated slurs of Boris Johnson. We have a Prime Minister who stands up in Parliament and lies about partying while the rest of us dealt with isolation and sorrows during
lockdown.

"A PM who then very deliberately in Parliament falsely associates the opposition leader with a vile paedophile. Then he performs a very quiet minimal backstep while refusing to apologise for a calculated lie.

"All leading directly to threats and abuse against a fellow human.

"While as a distraction our MP sings about a minor education boost and disruptive changes on the Island which anybody with real knowledge of education will point out is doomed to cause more damage to our Island.

"Loyalty to your party is understandable but loudly supporting the sickening behaviour of a politically bankrupt leader will stick in the throat of many people."

Meanwhile, for Island Labour, Richard Quigley said Seely's remarks show a "complete lack of respect":

"Where do we start with our MP either being off message or just off on a tangent. 

"No one should be subject to the sort of treatment Keir Starmer and David Lammy suffered yesterday. MPs on both sides of the house have lost their lives, Bob's glib remarks show a complete lack of respect and understanding of the situation.

"His government have presided over and average reduction in school funding of 9%, to be included in the education investment area, means our schools are way below key stage 2 and 4 targets. Hardly the improvement he promised. 

"As for levelling up and the Islands forum, the deal he promised at the 2019 general election isn't coming, he doesn't care about the Island, only his career. 

"I am working with Hampshire children's services to improve our schools and outcomes for our children and leading the community wealth building initiative, that will bring about real positive change for the Island."