Labour politician expelled for saying Boris Johnson 'deserves this' after he was moved to intensive care

The mayor of a town in Derbyshire has apologised and been expelled from the Labour party after she said Boris Johnson 'deserved' to have coronavirus.

Shelia Oakes, who is the mayor of Heanor and a Labour councillor has had the whip withdrawn by the Amber Valley Labour Group after she made the comments on Facebook, meaning she no longer represents the party.

Oakes reportedly responded to a post asking people to say a 'little prayer' for the PM on Monday night, after Johnson was moved to an intensive care unit.

According to a report by the BBC, Oakes wrote:

Sorry, he completely deserves this and he is one of the worst PMs we've ever had.

Just a day later, Oakes "apologised for upsetting people and saying it". Speaking to the BBC she said:

I didn't think what I said would upset so many people. It came across as not a nice thing to say.

I'm concerned about nurses and doctors who don't have protective equipment.

I said something when I was angry without thinking about the prime minister or his family.

The leader of the Amber Valley Labour group, Chris Emmas-Williams, confirmed that there will be an investigation into Oakes' comments.

This behaviour is totally unacceptable and not what the Labour Party are about.

I've not made the comments but I feel as leader of the Labour group I have to apologise as well to Boris Johnson and his family and we wish him well because we need everyone possible to fight this disease.

The prime minister was confirmed as having Covid-19 on 27 March and was moved to hospital on 5 April as his symptoms persisted and has since been moved into intensive care as his conditions reportedly worsened but is said to still be in 'good spirits.'