Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen expelled from party after comparing Covid vaccines to Holocaust

Andrew Bridgen has been expelled from the Conservative Party. Credit: PA

Andrew Bridgen has been expelled from the Conservative Party after his criticism of the Covid-19 vaccine, it has been confirmed.

He accused the Tories of kicking him out "under false pretences" and said he intends to stand again at the next election, as he hit out at "corruption, collusion, and cover-ups".

The MP for North West Leicestershire had the whip removed in January after it was ruled he "crossed a line" when saying the vaccine rollout was the "biggest crime against humanity since the Holocaust".

He has now been removed as an ordinary member of the party.

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In a short statement, CCHQ said: "Mr Bridgen was expelled from the Conservative Party on 12th April following the recommendation of a disciplinary panel. He has 28 days from this date to appeal."

Meanwhile, in his own statement, Mr Bridgen said: "My expulsion from the Conservative Party under false pretences only confirms the culture of corruption, collusion, and cover-ups which plagues our political system.

"I have been a vocal critic of the vaccine rollout and the party have been sure to make an example of me.

"I am grateful for my newfound freedom and will continue to fight for justice for all those harmed, injured, and bereaved due to governmental incompetence.

"I will continue to serve my constituents as I was elected to do and intend to stand again at the next election."

Andrew Bridgen had the Conservative Party whip originally removed from him in January. Credit: PA

He has not made clear whether he will appeal over the decision or will run to be an MP in opposition to the Conservatives.

The regular critic of vaccines lost the whip in January after claiming they are "the biggest crime against humanity since the Holocaust".

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned the comments as "utterly unacceptable".

Earlier that month, Mr Bridgen was handed a five-day suspension for breaking the MPs' code of conduct banning lobbying.

He was found to have committed a series of breaches including an "unacceptable attack upon the integrity" of then standards commissioner Kathryn Stone.

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