Lancashire Conservative MP living on Anglesey during lockdown

A Conservative MP representing a constituency in Lancashire has been living on Anglesey during the coronavirus lockdown, the island’s MP has said.

Virginia Crosbie MP said that Jake Berry, the MP Rossendale and Darwen in Lancashire, had not left the island since before the lockdown.

She posted a message on Facebook following speculation on social media that Jake Berry may have travelled to the island.

However, Virginia Crosbie said that the MP had not moved from his address on the island since the lockdown started apart from to visit Ysbyty Gwynedd.

‘Their home’

“A few people have been in touch with me regarding the MP Jake Berry living here in the island,” Virginia Crosbie said.

“Mr and Mrs Berry have been living here in the island since February – it is their home. They have a very young family – with three children aged three and under.

“Sadly Mrs Berry has been ill in Bangor Hospital for a month – so understandably the family has kept a very low profile.

“The Berry’s have been here since before the lockdown was announced – it is their home – and they have assured me that they have followed all Welsh Government guidelines. Apart from visiting Bangor Hospital Mr Berry has not left the island since before lockdown back in March.

“I would like to thank all those in the community that have supported the Berry’s during what has been and is a very difficult time. Diolch yn fawr.”

During the December General Election last year, Jake Berry listed his home address as being in Helmshore, Rossendale.

Jake Berry served as Minister for the Northern Powerhouse, from 2017 until February of this year. Hansard lists his last spoken contribution the House of Commons on 5 February.

‘Comply’

The Conservative Party later released a statement addressing why Jake Berry was on the island.

“During a visit to Wales a family member of Mr Berry started showing signs of Coronavirus, this visit was prior to the Government decision to lockdown,” the party said.

“They followed NHS advice to self-isolate and were self-isolating as lockdown came in. They have stayed in Wales during lockdown and continue to follow government guidelines.

“Jake and his family continue to comply with UK and Wales guidance on lockdown.”