Labour councillor Sheila Oakes condemned for saying Boris Johnson 'deserves this' as PM battles coronavirus
A Labour councillor has apologised after saying Boris Johnson "deserves this" as he continues his coronavirus battle in hospital.
Sheila Oakes, who represents Heanor East in Derbyshire, made the comments on a Facebook post.
In response to a post calling for prayers, she wrote: "Sorry, he completely deserves this and he is one of the worst PM's [sic] we've ever had."
The Prime Minister is in an intensive care unit as he fights coronavirus.
Ms Oakes has since apologised for the comment after a backlash, with her message branded "cruel".
“I understand that people are upset and I apologise. It wasn't a very nice thing to say, even in anger. I was wrong and made a mistake.
"I hope that Mr. Johnson makes a swift recovery and I hope that his family are safe and well and wish them well in what must be a very difficult time for them,” she said in a post on her Facebook.
The Standard attempted to contact Ms Oakes directly but she has not responded to requests for comment.
Potential disciplinary action is being investigated by her local Labour group.
Cllr Chris Emmas-Williams, leader of the Amber Valley Borough Council, condemned her comments.
In a statement, he told the Standard: "As leader of the Council & Labour Group I am appalled and very disappointed by the comments posted on Facebook by Cllr Sheila Oakes.
"There is no place in politics for personal and hurtful comments no matter how angry you are. I asked Cllr Oakes to remove the comments and apologise immediately after it was brought to my attention.
"In no circumstances can I or the Labour Group condone this sort of behaviour, it is not in being with the standards expected in Public Life or Office.
"A full investigation will take place and appropriate action will be taken in line with the Labour Party rules and regulations."
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