Wish you were here? Council boss issues ‘stay home’ warning while on holiday on paradise island in the MALDIVES
A council leader has issued a 'stay local' warning amid surging Covid cases - from the sun-drenched luxury of an island in the Maldives.
Angie Dale, leader of the local authority at the heart of Chancellor Rishi Sunak's Richmondshire constituency, spoke as Covid cases rise sharply in the area governed by her council.
In a press release on Friday January 8 she warned: 'It is vitally important that people heed the stay local message.'
At that time Mrs Dale and her family were enjoying the crystal waters of the Indian ocean from a beach on the Maldivian island of Kudahuvadhoo.
Angie Dale (pictured on holiday with her husband), leader of the local authority at the heart of Chancellor Rishi Sunak's Richmondshire constituency, spoke as Covid cases rise sharply in the area governed by her council
It's a world away from the snowy Yorkshire Dales community she has urged to stay at home and make no unnecessary journeys.
Her actions were described as 'disappointing' today, although friends pointed out that she had broken no rules in escaping on holiday as she left just before the universal Tier 4 restrictions came into place.
At the time North Yorkshire was in Tier 2.
A joint press release was issued by Mrs Dale's Richmondshire District Council, neighbouring Craven District Council and North Yorkshire police.
At that time Mrs Dale and her family were enjoying the crystal waters of the Indian ocean from a beach on the Maldivian island of Kudahuvadhoo
Each was quoted under the headline: 'People urged to Stay Home and Stay Local – don't travel to exercise.'
Mrs Dale, leader of the ruling independent group, said: 'The number of Covid cases is rising dramatically every day and we are told we haven't reached the peak yet, so it is vitally important that people heed the stay local message.
'Our beautiful Dales will still be here to visit when this pandemic is over - please do not make unnecessary journeys now and exercise close to your home.'
Mrs Dale (pictured with Chancellor Rishi Sunak), leader of the ruling independent group, said: 'The number of Covid cases is rising dramatically every day and we are told we haven't reached the peak yet, so it is vitally important that people heed the stay local message
A source said Mrs Dale has kept friends updated of her sunshine break on social media.
On the day her stay at home warning was issued she had been for a swim before watching the sunset from the balcony of her accommodation and was planning a jetski trip the following day.
She and her husband Richard and friends also enjoyed cocktails under the setting sun, with Mrs Dale sampling a Sex On The Beach on January 5.