Weymouth residents call for Prime Minister Boris Johnson's resignation

During Prime Minister's Questions yesterday, he admitted attending a drinks party in the garden of 10 Downing Street during the first lockdown in May 2020.

READ MORE: Boris Johnson apology: Read the Prime Minister's statement in full

At the time, the country was under lockdown and people were told they could only meet one other person outside to slow the spread of coronavirus.

Ian McMillan, aged 74, of Weymouth said he did not see his grandchildren between March and July 2020 as he was following the rules set out by the Government.

Ian McMillan, aged 74, of Weymouth. Picture: Sam McKeown

"He was very slow to put us into the first lockdown if you remember," said Mr McMillan.

"People weren't allowed to see their families - I didn't see my grandchildren for four months during the first lockdown, at a time when the Prime Minister was partying. He wasn't just partying, he was breaking rules which his government implemented. The buck stops with him.

"I can't believe he was acting in that way. I think his position as Prime Minister is untenable."

Audrey Dunne, aged 79, who lives at Nautica apartments, in St Alban Street, said: "It's one rule for him and another for us.

"Not socialising negatively affects your mental health and we were told at that time to stay inside and not see relatives who were vulnerable.

"We were told that we could not meet up in big groups - and the Prime Minister was partying with colleagues.

"He should not have done and deserves to go. They set the rules and should abide by them and lead by example."

Audrey Dunne, aged 79, who lives at Nautica apartments, in St Alban Street. Picture: Sam McKeown

READ MORE: Weymouth woman 'depressed and lonely' after being stuck in flat since March

Poole resident Pauline Tate, whose son lives in Weymouth, said she will not be voting at all next time there is a General Election.

She said: "What he's done is not right.

"In May 2020, my husband and I never went out unless it was to the shop.

"We weren't able to see family because my husband had just had open heart surgery and was vulnerable.

"He needed to set the example, not go off partying.

"I voted Conservative in 2019, but I refuse to vote again - they're all crooks and liars.

Jamie Fagan, who works at The Sailor's Return, in St Nicholas St, said: "I think the Prime Minister has to go.

"It's a hard job for anyone to replace him, but he was partying at a time when I wasn't able to see my elderly relatives because I was sticking by the rules."

England was in national lockdown between late March and June 2020.

Intitally, all 'non-essential' high street businesses were closed and people were ordered to stay at home, permitted to leave for essential purposes only, such as buying food or for medical reasons.

Starting in May 2020, the laws were slowly relaxed. People were permitted to leave home for outdoor recreation (beyond exercise) from May 13 and meet with one person outside their household.

On June 1, the restriction on leaving home was replaced with a requirement to be home overnight, and people were permitted to meet outside in groups of up to six people.