One of the most sanctimonious voices I have heard for a long time was broadcast today: Simon Clarke, the MP for Middlesbrough, one of the most deprived areas in the country, with a consequential high death rate from the virus.  Frankly, he is a creep, a cruel creep.

Here are a few extracts of what he had to say to the charge that Tory austerity had left the town and much of the region exposed to the virus : “I think that is wholly unfair… obviously Teeside collectively voted heavily conservative.. which isn’t the action of an area that feels it has been let down… we are increasing universal credit payments, speeding up the payment of statutory sick pay… I do represent some of the most deprived communities in the country and I am very proud to do so.”