TENBURY MP Harriett Baldwin joined more than 40 other conservative MPs who rebelled against the Government’s Covid-19 restrictions.

She says that the view of experts is that the 10pm curfew for the closure of pubs and restaurants will be of very little benefit in the fight against Covid-19 but will do great damage to the hospitality sector that has already been ravaged by the impact of the virus.

It marks a further widening of the gap between the West Worcestershire MP, whose constituency includes Tenbury, and the Government.

Mrs Baldwin was sacked from the Government when Boris Johnson became Prime Minister.

She paid the price for backing Jeremy Hunt in the contest for the leadership of the Conservative party in the summer of 2019.

Mrs Baldwin made clear her disapproval of the actions of Prime Ministerial adviser Dominic Cummings when he drove from London to Durham with coronavirus symptoms at a time when people were being asked to stay at home.

Mr Cummings also faced ridicule when he explained a road journey from Durham to Barnard’s Castle as a self-administered eye test.

Mrs Baldwin explained her decision to join 41 other Conservative MPs in the opposition lobby.

“Local people have taken extraordinary steps over recent months to help slow the spread of the virus and help to take the pressure off the NHS,” said Mrs Baldwin.

“With Winter drawing in, there are clearly heightened risks and the Government has simplified the local rules to make them easier to understand and comply.

“I am pleased that Worcestershire remains in the lowest category and by following the rules, I hope this will continue.

“I have been very clear that Parliament should get to debate and vote these changes and reflect the views of constituents and local business people, and most importantly, that the Government listens to all viewpoints as it hones the national response to this global pandemic.

“The 10pm curfew is a measure with marginal disease control benefit according to SAGE and possible perverse disbenefits and a high economic cost.”

There was never any risk of the Government losing the vote as the Labour party abstained.