Labour MP Chris Matheson tests positive for coronavirus

13 October 2020, 18:21 | Updated: 13 October 2020, 18:35

Chris Matheson is self-isolating
Chris Matheson is self-isolating. Picture: PA

By Maddie Goodfellow

Labour MP Chris Matheson has revealed he is self-isolating after testing positive for coronavirus.

The City of Chester MP, who is shadow minister for media, announced his diagnosis on his Facebook page.

He said: "After feeling ill last Saturday, I went for a coronavirus test at Deeside and tested positive. The symptoms aren't very pleasant, but I don't have it nearly as badly as many others.

"I now have to stay at home and can't attend Parliament in person, but will have a proxy vote which will be cast by one of the opposition whips on my behalf.

Read more: UK Covid deaths increase by 143 in biggest daily rise for four months

Read more: Sir Keir Starmer calls for 'two to three-week circuit break' national lockdown

"I am trying to rest as much as possible, though I will continue to try and answer my emails and my staff will still be working. I would like to thank them for keeping the show on the road, as they always do.

"Once the symptoms are over, I will have to isolate but my team and I are still here. You must continue to get in touch if there is an issue that you need help with, and if I can't deal with this in person my staff will be on hand to assist."

The Government almost turned Chris Whitty into Secretary of State, Jeremy Hunt claims

He joins a growing number of MPs who have been tested for the virus.

In early September, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tested negative for the virus but was forced to self-isolate and miss Prime Minister's questions after one of his children showed symptoms.

He said that his family was able to access a coronavirus test only because his wife works in the NHS, and branded the situation “completely unacceptable”.

Read more: New advice to be issued for 2.2 million people who shielded during lockdown

Read more: Nicola Sturgeon says half measures 'will not work' in Covid-19 fight

And early on in the year, members of the cabinet including Matt Hancock, Nadine Dorries and the Prime Minister all tested positive for the virus, with Boris Johnson being put into intensive care.

Lloyd Russel-Moyle MP and Kate Osborne MP also tested positive in March.

Margaret Ferrier MP should resign after travelling with Covid

SNP MP Margaret Ferrier also received a barrage of criticism after travelling from Glasgow to London with Covid-19 symptoms last month, then returning home after testing positive.

The SNP suspended Ms Ferrier and the Metropolitan Police is investigating the incident.

Scotland's first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has said she "couldn't be clearer" and Ms Ferrier should resign.

The MP has since said that she "panicked" and insisted she followed the rules.

"A lot of people say Covid makes you do things out of character. You're not thinking straight," she said.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Police have released images of a man they want to speak to

Manhunt for rapist who attacked two women in London four years apart - and 'probably targeted more victims'

Louis Gossett Jr. has died aged 87

Louis Gossett Jr, first black man to win Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, dies aged 87

Jeffrey Donaldson

DUP's Jeffrey Donaldson 'charged with historic sex offences' as he steps down as party leader

Russia bombed Ukrainian infrastructure overnight

Russia launches 'massive attack' on Ukraine's power supplies, with 'energy security under growing threat'

Newry Magistrates' Court

Man, 61, charged with non-recent sexual offences in Northern Ireland

Drivers queuing in Dover on Friday morning

Holidaymakers hit with 2-hour Dover ferry waits amid strong winds, as 2.6m hit the roads for Good Friday getaway

The attack happened on a train in south London

Teenager charged with attempted murder after south London train stabbing, with victim still in critical condition

Mother Natalie Pinnell

Mother left in tears after daughter with complex needs 'erased' from school photo

Amber Rudd and Mary Beard have both been nominated to the Garrick Club

Amber Rudd and Mary Beard among seven women nominated for membership of all-male Garrick Club

Exclusive
Anneliese Dodds said Labour would make sure local people have 'skin in the game' with tackling inequality

'Rebuild has to start from ground up,' Labour's Anneliese Dodds says, and 'local people must have skin in the game'

Mohamed Mansour has been awarded a knighthood

Conservatives accused of 'cronyism' after donor who gave £5 million awarded knighthood in surprise honours list

Exclusive
Justin Welby recalled his experience of coping with his father's drinking as a teenager.

‘It was utterly isolating’: Archbishop of Canterbury recalls harrowing childhood with alcoholic father

More than 2 million drivers are set to hit the road on Good Friday.

Easter Carmageddon: Over two million drivers to hit the road on Good Friday after Storm Nelson travel chaos

Michael Gove has slammed the water firm as a 'disgrace'.

Thames Water bosses branded a ‘disgrace’ as Michael Gove tells firm ‘not to punish consumers’ for its failings

South Africa Bus Crash

Girl, 8, the sole survivor as 45 die in bus crash off South Africa bridge

A spokesman has denied reports the sausage dog could be banned.

The wurst news is over: Germany denies claims of sausage dog ban