The Lancaster MP has called on Boris Johnson to resign over the 'Party-gate' saga after revealing she suffered a freak injury brought on by a lingering 'Covid' cough.
Cat Smith revealed she was in hospital awaiting treatment for a broken rib caused by a violent cough as she watched TV pictures of Boris Johnson apologising for Downing Street parties during lockdown.
Ms Smith said it was surreal to be in an "overcrowded A&E" as she watched the Prime Minister give his response to the Sue Gray report into gatherings at Number 10 when restrictions were in place.
She said Mr Johnson's position was now "completely untenable and sends all the wrong messages".
Listen to Cat Smith's interview with Beyond Radio.
Ms Smith said: "There I was in an overcrowded A&E, and I was thinking, our NHS is really struggling, energy bills are going up, a national insurance rise, and here is the Prime Minister of the UK throwing insults at any MP who dares to say that any rules he made, he should have followed."
The Lancaster MP had Covid during the Christmas and New Year period, then recovered, but has experienced a nagging cough ever since.
"I have been suffering a lot with my breathing, it's been quite grim," she said.
"I've been coughing a lot and yesterday I coughed really hard, I heard a pop, and the next thing I was on the bathroom floor in agony.
"It transpires you can break a rib coughing and I'm now on some prescription painkillers.
"The moral of the story is get jabbed so if you do get (Covid-19), you don't get it bad. I had all my vaccinations and boosters and I would encourage everyone to do that. If I'd not had those, I dread to think how sick I would have been with Covid."
Ms Smith said she had read the 12-page report by leading civil servant Sue Gray, describing it as "damning".
"It just feels like an awful lot like (10 Downing Street) is a frat house, a party house. I want my Prime Minister to take the job seriously.
"There are so many people in this country who have lost loved ones. It's heartbreaking."
The report found there was a "failure of leadership and judgement by different parts of Number 10 and the Cabinet Office at different times".
It has been limited in detail, due to the Metropolitan Police's ongoing investigation into 12 gatherings.
Mr Johnson said in the House of Commons on Monday, that he was "sorry for the things we simply didn't get right and also sorry for the way this matter has been handled".
Many MPs, including some from his own Conservative party, have called on him to resign.
Beyond Radio contacted David Morris, the Conservative MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale, to ask his opinion on the Sue Gray report. He was unavailable for comment.
BIG FIGHT COUNTDOWN: Tyson Fury's most memorable Morecambe moments
Meeting will rally business community together after shock Lancaster bakery closure
INTERVIEW: Award-winning festival set to celebrate Italy in Lancaster
Lancaster MP welcomes return of mobile phone coverage
INTERVIEW: Historic Heysham pub to reopen as new management aims to 'bring community together'
Traffic diverted as Lancaster quay closed for rail bridge works
Caravan fire in Morecambe spreads to two other vehicles
Morecambe's two bathing beaches receive Seaside Awards amid calls to improve water quality
Lancaster remains best university in North West England in Complete University Guide
'Music with the Mayor' initiative launched to support North Lancashire’s Citizens Advice
DIARY: Beyond Radio presenter fighting cancer continues his '60 Before 60' challenge
BIG FIGHT COUNTDOWN: Tyson Fury's father John headbutts Usyk supporter ahead of undisputed heavyweight title fight
Decision to refuse Galgate housing scheme planning permission upheld following public inquiry
INTERVIEWS and PHOTOS: The story of Highest Point festival 2024
INTERVIEW: Lancaster prison officer backed by Tyson Fury wins sport contest ahead of Miss England bid
VIDEO and INTERVIEW: Lancaster schoolboy, 10, makes drum 'n' bass DJ debut at Lancaster festival
Highest Point 'Lancaster Rocks' night cancelled due to thunderstorms warning
Quad bike rider dies after road crash in Morecambe
Morecambe guesthouse couple to star on reality TV show 'Four in a Bed'
PHOTOS: Northern Lights dazzle on Highest Point festival day one
