Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely has spoken out on the subject of whether he supports Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

MPs have agreed that Mr Johnson should be referred for a parliamentary investigation into whether he lied to Common about the lockdown-busting Downing Street parties.

He said he "remains supportive" of Mr Johnson but thinks it is right that parliament looks into the issue.

He said on Twitter: "I remain supportive of the PM at the present time but I would have voted for the amendment (as I indicated on BBC World at One).

"It is right that parliament looks into this. I am glad that the government  offered a free vote, as it should have."

Tory MPs had initially been ordered to back a Government amendment which would defer any decision on referring the matter to the committee until after the conclusion of the Met Police inquiry.

But in a late U-turn shortly before the debate began, Tory MPs were given a free vote.

The move appeared to confirm speculation at Westminster that a significant number of Conservatives were not prepared to back the Government’s attempt to kick the issue into the long grass.

 

The Green Party's Vix Lowthion, who stood against Mr Seely in the election campaign, responded on Twitter: "Grow a backbone, Bob."

Mr Seely was criticised during lockdown for attending a barbecue. He apologised at the time.

Mr Seely has recently been to Ukraine, and saw first-hand the situation in the country. 

The County Press has asked Mr Seely for a comment in the wake of Neutrik in Ryde proposing to relocate in mainland Europe.

UPDATE: Bob Seely has sent out his comments via a press release, stating: "I would have voted for the motion on Thursday had it moved to a formal vote. 

“It is right that Parliament looks into this to establish the facts, and that we are all privy to the findings. I am glad that government offered a free vote, as it should have.
 
“We need to draw a line under this once and for all so that government can get on with tackling the issues that matter to our constituents.
 
“I will reserve any further comment until full and proper investigations have concluded.”