A GRIEVING woman who was unable to say goodbye to her dead brother during the pandemic has called on Boris Johnson to quit after he was fined for breaching lockdown rules.

The Prime Minister and Chancellor Rishi Sunak have both been fined for for attending a birthday party for Johnson in June 2020.

But Covid restrictions meant that Linda Pearmain and her family were unable to say goodbye to Paul Fleischer at Southend Hospital mortuary in March.

Linda, from Great Wakering, said: “I would like him to resign.

“My only question is, who would take his place?”

Mrs Pearmain added: “These people seem to the elite and do as they like.

“Covid restrictions in place caused additional heartbreak for us. It’s one rule for them and another for everybody else, the last couple of years have demonstrated that with one example after another.”

Ian Gilbert, Labour leader of Southend Council, also said that both men should resign.

He said: “It proves that the Prime Minister lied to Parliament, and if democracy means anything they have to resign for that.

“The partying while others were grieving is bad, breaking their own rules is bad, but lying has to be resignation matter. I can’t see any possible reason for defending him, he’s chosen to keep lying.”

However, James Duddridge, Tory MP for Rochford and Southend East, jumped to the defence of the PM.

Mr Duddridge, a close aide to Mr Johnson, said: “The PM should focus on Ukraine and delivering for the people of the UK.

“He is the right person to lead the party and the country. The PM has apologised and accepted responsibility.

“We need to be united in our resolve and move forward under his leadership.

Conservative MPs Stephen Metcalfe, Rebecca Harris, Mark Francois, John Baron, Anna Firth and Jackie Doyle-Price - were unavailable for comment.

Andrew Baggott, Conservative leader of Basildon Council, admitted the incident was “stupid” and “indefensible”.

He added: “We’re in danger if we’re not careful of getting into a finger pointing culture to jump up and down with this mock anger.

“I’ve heard people on the doorstep saying it’s disgraceful and it absolutely is. You can’t defend the indefensible but he should absolutely not resign.”

Mr Johnson said he has paid the fine and offered a “full apology”.