A former Crewe Conservative MP has said leaders should lead by example - and it is shameful those setting the rules didn't follow them during lockdown.

Edward Timpson, now Eddisbury MP, issued a statement after Prime Minister Boris Johnson apologised for breaking the rules when he was fined £50 following the police investigation into Partygate.

Mr Timpson said: "We have—many of us—had to part company forever with people we have loved, but in such a difficult and distant way, and one that we will never get the chance to improve upon.

"That moment is gone, because we did the right thing and obeyed the health regulations, and took our responsibility for the health of others seriously.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak, have both apologised and paid the fines (Getty Images).

"I am appalled that we did not see that selflessness at the heart of government, and can only say it makes the example that those who have contacted me about their own experiences set shine all the greater. Thank you.

Mr Timpson was first selected as the Conservative leader candidate for the Crewe and Nantwich constituency in 2007.

In 2008, he was elected as their MP, gaining 49% of the vote. Timpson was re-elected in the 2010 and 2015 general elections under Prime Minister David Cameron.

Mr Timpson voted to remain in the 2016 EU membership referendum. He lost his seat at the 2017 general election to Laura Smith by 48 votes after three recounts.

Former Prime Minister David Cameron with Edward Timpson at Leighton Hospital, Crewe in 2013 (Belinda Ryan).

He added: "Those setting the regulations—leaders—should lead by example. That did not happen in these cases, as the Metropolitan Police has made clear by issuing fixed penalty notices this week.

"I find that shameful - as do my Party colleagues - even if the fines only carry the same legal weight as a parking ticket.

"I feel we must look to the rules-based society which our democracy exists to uphold, and ensure that all are treated equally in it, whatever their station in life, and even when they didn't think those rules were being broken.

"Those who devised the health regulations and didn't always obey them have been subject to the same penalties they also devised, and they have paid those penalties and apologised.

"I am pleased there is no sign of special treatment—that would be intolerable."

Mr Timpson said he hoped his response showed that 'backbench, constituency MPs like me are not prepared to defend the indefensible'.

Edward Timpson has been MP for Eddisbury, Cheshire since 2019 (Belinda Ryan).

Boris Johnson told reporters yesterday he 'humbly accepts' he breached Covid-19 rules, although he didn't realise he had at the time.

He apologised and said he has paid the fine.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has also paid a £50 fine for breaching the rules during lockdown and offered an 'unreserved apology'.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service has left messages for Cheshire East's other four MPs – Kieran Mullan, Esther McVey, Fiona Bruce and David Rutley – asking for a response regarding the fines issued to the PM and Chancellor.

So far it is yet to receive a response.

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(Ryan Parker and Belinda Ryan, Local Democracy Reporter)