Labour councillor claims Boris Johnson fighting for life in intensive care was a ‘publicity stunt for sympathy’
A LABOUR councillor has been slammed for calling Boris Johnson’s battle with Covid-19 a “publicity stunt” as he fought for his life in intensive care.
Leeds representative Julie Heselwood warned her constituents not to “fall for it” and said the Prime Minister’s illness was an effort to gain sympathy.
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Replying to a post by radio presenter Ryan Swain, Ms Heselwood wrote: “It’s a publicity stunt – they were doing badly being criticised for their handling of this, next thing he’s in hospital in ICU – a publicity stunt for sympathy and to change the narrative. Don’t fall for it.”
Her controversial opinion was met with a furious response from Facebook followers.
One person wrote: “With a comment like that, you’re not fit to be a councillor for any party!”
The politician replied: “I just understand politics.”
They were doing badly being criticised for their handling of this, next thing he’s in hospital in ICU – a publicity stunt for sympathy
Julia Heselwood
Screengrabs of the conversation obtained by political blogsite Guildo Fawkes revealed she wrote: “I’m out there in the community I represent, delivering food parcels, getting shopping for older people self isolating – so doing my job.
“My father died of pneumonia six years ago whilst battling cancer – what was Johnson and his give doing then? Removing the funding that was helping to keep my dad alive – so forgive me for being cynical.”
This evening the news broke that Mr Johnson, who first announced that he had contracted Covid-19 on March 5, is now out of intensive care at St Thomas’ Hospital in London.
The damning post has since been removed and Ms Heselwood issued an apology.
In a letter to the leader of Leeds City Council, she said: “I am deeply sorry for my crass and offensive comments about Boris Johnson’s hospital treatment.
“I was wrong, I should never have made that claim and I apologise unreservedly.
“I wish the Prime Minister a speedy recovery and my thoughts are with him and his family at what I know is a very difficult time for them.”
A Labour party spokesperson said: “Leeds City Council is working round the clock in one of the country’s largest districts to respond to this global public health crisis.
“All Labour councillors are doing what they can to keep services running, keep people safe and support their communities.
“Julie Heselwood fully accepts her post was wrong and has apologised unreservedly for it.”
Despite the comments being removed, Ms Heselwood’s page has been inundated with people reminding her of what she had said.
Barbara Hind hit out on her wall, saying: “Your fingers must be getting sore by now with the non-stop deleting of comments… how about a comment from you saying how sorry you are.”
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This is the latest attack on the PM after after Sheila Oakes, mayor of Heanor in Derbyshire, was booted out of the Labour party after saying that Boris ‘deserved’ to have contracted coronavirus.
In response to a post asking people to say a “little prayer” for Johnson, Cllr Oakes replied: “Sorry, he completely deserves this and he is one of the worst PMs we’ve ever had.”
Neighbours living on the mayor’s road in Heanor held a street party to clap in support of the PM on Tuesday and said her ‘disgusting’ comments did not represent the town.
One resident, who asked not to be named, said: “We were appalled at the comments and wanted to show what we’re really about around here.
“We’ve been coming together to clap for the NHS and wanted to do the same for Boris. It was a fantastic atmosphere.
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“Politics shouldn’t come into it, no-one deserves what he’s going through and to take pleasure in it is just disgusting.”
Yesterday a rail union fatcat said he would “throw a party” if Boris Johnson died of coronavirus.
Steve Hedley, assistant chief of the RMT, also said he hoped the whole Cabinet contracted the deadly virus.
In a series of vile posts on his public Facebook profile, Hedley – who earns £100,000 a year from the union’s low-paid members – hit back at friends who criticised him.
When one follower pointed out that Boris could die, Hedley replied: “Yes – poor virus.”
One pal who works as a carer pulled him up over the rant and Hedley fired back: “Feel free to block me.
“I hope the whole cabinet of Tory b******s get it too.
