Labour councillor expelled from party for Boris Johnson coronavirus comments

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A Derbyshire mayor has been expelled from the Labour party after she suggested that Boris Johnson deserves to have coronavirus.

Heanor mayor Sheila Oakes's comments sparked controversy online.

Miss Oakes apologised "unreservedly", but the Labour Party has now withdrawn the party whip from her, effectively expelling her.

She will keep her seat until the next election, but she is now an independent politician.

The Prime Minister is currently in intensive care at St Thomas' Hospital in London after his coronavirus symptoms worsened yesterday.

Miss Oakes' comment was written under a post which showed a message of support for medical workers, and it is understood it also may have also made reference to Boris Johnson.

Mayor Oakes wrote:

When her comment was described as "a cruel thing to say" by another Facebook user, Miss Oakes replied:

A number of the responses from other Facebook users called for her resignation.

A spokesperson for the Amber Valley Labour Group said:

Miss Oakes said:

Councillor Kevin Buttery, Conservative group leader on Amber Valley Borough Council, said:

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