Guido’s already seen one Labour councillor be kicked out of the party for saying Boris “deserves this” after the Prime Minister was rushed to intensive care on Monday night. Labour HQ might, therefore, be equally interested in looking over the Facebook account of Leeds councillor Julie Heselwood.

In response to a post by TV and radio presenter Ryan Swain, Cllr. Heselwood wrote

“It’s a publicity stunt-they we’re [sic] doing badly being criticised for their handling of this, next thing he’s in hospital in ICU-a publicity stunt fir [sic] sympathy and to change the narrative. Don’t fall for it”

When someone called Jools out, Labour’s councillor doubled down, saying

“I just understand politics-abd I’m out there in the community I represent”

Conspiracy theorist Julie might want to question why NHS staff would sacrifice a bed in an IC unit just to help government propaganda. Unless the doctors and nurses are in on the conspiracy too...

UPDATE: The West Leeds Dispatch reports that Jools Heselwood has removed her comments from Facebook and issued an unreserved apology and written to the leader of Leeds City Council Judith Blake to say:

“I am deeply sorry for my crass and offensive comments about Boris Johnson’s hospital treatment. I was wrong, I should never have made that claim and I apologise unreservedly. I wish the Prime Minister a speedy recovery and my thoughts are with him and his family at what I know is a very difficult time for them.”

A Labour party spokesperson added in a statement:

“Leeds City Council is working round the clock in one of the country’s largest districts to respond to this global public health crisis. All Labour councillors are doing what they can to keep services running, keep people safe and support their communities. Julie Heselwood fully accepts her post was wrong and has apologised unreservedly for it.”

UPDATE 22/04: Heselwood has been sacked from her council cabinet role