Covid strikes Westminster: Ed Davey, the leader of the Lib Dems and three Labour frontbenchers, including Rachel Reeves shadow chancellor of Labour were forced to segregate before tonight’s vote on new coronavirus restrictions

  • Labour’s Rachel Reeves and Bridget Phillipson, as well as Jim McMahon are all isolating themselves
  • After feeling unwell yesterday, Mr Davey received a positive result in PCR today
  • Even though MPs can still wear masks in the chamber, and voting lobbies, they are not allowed to do so.










As Covid invaded Westminster, Lim Dem leader Ed Davey was forced to seperate from three Labour frontbenchers.

Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves and Bridget Phillipson, shadow education secretary, and Jim McMahon were waiting for the results of PCR tests following positive LFTs.

After feeling unwell yesterday, Mr. Davey received a positive PCR test this afternoon.

Westminster has updated its Covid regulations in recent weeks. MPs, however, are allowed to remain maskless within the chamber as well as the voting lobbies. 

They are expected to go to the lobby tonight four times in order to vote on Covid legislation. However, Wednesday is usually very busy for Prime Minister’s Questions. 

Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves said she had tested positive three days after having her booster jab

Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves said she had tested positive three days after having her booster jab

Mr Davey got a positive PCR result this afternoon after starting to feel unwell yesterday and isolating.

Following feeling unwell yesterday, Davey felt this afternoon and was unable to sleep.

Bridget Phillipson

Jim McMahon

Shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson, and shadow environment secretary Jim McMahon stated that they were still waiting for the results of PCR tests following positive LFTs.

Ms. Reeves claimed she was positive for Omicron three days following her booster jab.

“Vaccines are the best defense against Covid. Please make sure you get your booster as soon as possible to help protect your loved ones, friends and NHS.   

McMahon expressed his sadness at the fact that McMahon would not be able to attend his booster jab appointment. 

No affected MPs are able to vote for the Government’s Plan B Package of Measures to Limit the Spread of Omicron. However, Labour said that they support the package, consistent with party policy. 

Ms Phillipson added: ‘A few people have asked why I can’t simply vote by proxy. It’s a good question. This year the government removed all arrangements that allowed MPs to vote via proxy or remote access.

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