'HE should have been wearing a mask, simple as that.'

Those are the words of Bridgwater and West Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Grainger who has criticised the Prime Minister's father after he was pictured not wearing a mask for the third time in a week.

The PM's father has come under fire this week after he was photographed at a Bakerloo line London Underground station with his mask under his nose.

His latest breach was noticed just hours after he posted a picture on Instagram of himself, Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey and Tory MP John Penrose with the caption: “Masks firmly in place on the Jubilee Line.”

It came after Mr Johnson, who lives in Winsford, West Somerset, was forced to apologise after going shopping in west London without wearing a mask.

He was also seen without a covering while waiting in a Greek airport.

Speaking after the Tube incident, which took place on Monday morning, Mr Johnson said it was only his third day back in London and he was "learning every day."

Somerset County Gazette: Stanley Johnson

He said: “I have certainly been absolutely wearing a mask on the Underground trains and public transport and so on. I don’t notice that everybody wears masks on the platform.

“I have certainly got my mask on the platform, I agree it is below my nose.

“This has been a fast learning curve for me and I’m certainly grateful for the vigilance of my fellow travellers."

But Bridgwater and West Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Grainger said everyone, including Mr Johnson, must wear a mask while they are in shops or on public transport.

"He should have been wearing a mask, simple as that," Mr Liddell-Grainger said.

"It doesn't matter who you are, you have to wear a mask and follow the rules.

"We have already had a case of a Scottish MP who travelled on public transport without a mask.

"Everyone should be wearing a mask to protect each other. If in doubt, mask up."


READ MORE: Stanley Johnson snapped shopping WITHOUT a mask
READ MORE: PM's father admits 'slip up' over mask at Tube station 


Downing Street said the coronavirus rules should be followed by everyone.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said on Monday (October 5) that he did not know whether Boris Johnson had spoken to his father about the latest incident.

But referring to previous images of Mr Johnson without a mask, the spokesman said: “I know the Prime Minister’s father has set out that he recognises his error and fully understands it’s vital for everyone to abide by the rules on face coverings and social distancing.

“As I said last week, the Prime Minister is very clear that everyone needs to follow the guidance on hands, face, space – the rules apply to all of us.”

Asked whether Mr Johnson should face a fine, the spokesman added: “It’s not for me to advise the police in relation to individual cases, that’s not how it works in this country.”