THE office managers of two Labour MPs allegedly moaned that the Commons recall for tributes to Prince Philip on Monday would be a “ninety-minute circle jerk”.
Screenshots from a WhatsApp chat obtained by Guido Fawkes show party insiders complaining about the decision to recall Parliament from Easter Recess following the Duke of Edinburgh’s death today.
Read our live blog for the very latest news on Prince Philip’s death…
Guido claimed the messages show Jay Glover, the office manager for MP Alison McGovern, replying to a message about the Commons recall saying it would be a “ninety minute circle jerk of what a great man he was”.
The office manager for MP Mohammad Yasin Gen McMahon is also reported to have messaged the group: “It’s going to be intolerable”.
In a statement, Ms McGovern said: “As soon as I was alerted to the message I asked the team member to apologise, which he immediately did.”
It came after parliamentary officials confirmed the House of Commons would reconvene on Monday from 2.30pm – a day earlier than had been scheduled.
Commons speaker Lindsay Hoyle said today was “obviously a very sad day for Her Majesty, the royal family and the whole country”.
The last time that the House of Commons was recalled from recess was on January 6 when MPs voted on emergency coronavirus legislation.
Tributes flooded in from around the world today to remember the Duke of Edinburgh, who passed away “peacefully” at Windsor Castle aged 99.
Buckingham Palace announced the news of Prince Philip’s death at midday, as the Queen spoke of her “deep sorrow” after her “beloved” husband passed away “peacefully” at Windsor Castle.
Her Majesty, 94, today shared a poignant photo of Philip in a heartfelt tribute to her “strength and guide”.
The tragic news is a huge blow to the Queen, with the Duke widely known to be the backbone of the Royal Family.
Just after midday, the Union Flag was lowered to half-mast outside Buckingham Palace and on public buildings across the UK as the world mourns his death.
A statement from Buckingham Palace said: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
“His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.
“Further announcements will made in due course.
“The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”
