Minister’s husband who called coronavirus ‘mental illness’ joins anti-vaccine and mask protest

Cabinet Office minister Chloe Smith says she takes different view from her husband

Two men at the Unite for Freedom protest in Trafalgar Square on 29 August 2020 (Getty )

A government minister’s husband who has branded coronavirus a “phantom” and a “mental illness” joined a protest against facemarks and vaccinations.

Sandy McFadzean, who is married to Cabinet Office minister Chloe Smith, attended Saturday’s march in London, reported the Eastern Daily Press.

Piers Corbyn, brother of former Labour leader Jeremy, was arrested and fined £10,000 after the demonstration for holding a gathering of more than 30 people in contravention of rules designed to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Before the event, Mr McFadzean is reported to have posted a series of comments on his Twitter feed @stateistoobig, which has since been deleted.

A poster for the march, retweeted by Mr McFadzean, called for an end to the government’s track and trace programme, social distancing and requirements to wear face coverings.

And the EDP reported that the minister’s husband had previously sent messages on social media describing Covid-19 as “most likely an outbreak of mental illness”.

He tweeted: “Government need to be clear. Either there is a killer virus on the loose or there isn’t. (Spoiler alert: There isn’t).”

He has previously retweeted posts describing the government as “globalist puppets” and “tyrants”.

Chloe Smith (REX)

Minister of state for the constitution Ms Smith has voiced her support the government’s policies to deal with coronavirus, changing her Twitter profile to reflect the government message of “Stay Alert, Save Lives.”

Ms Smith said: “My husband is a private citizen. Everyone is entitled to their views and to debate. I take a different view to his. My own views are on the record and I’ll carry right on working for my constituents accordingly.”