Liverpool deputy mayor accused of using ‘Cummings Defence’ as she faces probe over apparent lockdown garden party

‘I really wasn’t aware that it was happening, it was genuinely a surprise,’ Labour councillor says of event

The deputy mayor of Liverpool has temporarily stepped down after video emerged showing an apparent party in her garden during lockdown.

Lynnie Hinnigan, a Labour councillor, denied it was a party, and that instead guests had just dropped off gifts as a surprise organised by her daughter for her 50th birthday.

Liverpool’s Labour group launched an investigation after what appeared to be an Instagram Stories video showed at least 12 people at Ms Hinnigan’s home, which was adorned with balloons and had a number of chairs laid out.

“I really wasn’t aware that it was happening, it was genuinely a surprise,” ​the councillor told the Liverpool Echo.

“Everyone is finding lockdown hard, not seeing family and friends, but everyone should still follow the rules, stay alert, stay safe and socially distance, which is exactly what I told my daughter and the reason I never left the house.

“I am sorry if this has hurt anyone as it was never mine or my daughter’s intention.

“Many other families in our city have struggled throughout this period. We still need to follow the guidance until we can meet face to face again.”

The Labour group said Ms Hinnigan had “voluntarily and temporarily” stepped down from her duties.

Opposition leader, Lib Dem councillor Richard Kemp, tweeted that Ms Hinnigan was attempting the “Cummings Defence” and called on her to permanently resign.

“When people have been unable to see their sick or dying relatives or even be present at the birth of their children having a 50th Birthday Party is no excuse,” he said.

Additional reporting by PA