⚡BREAKING : Former PM John Major has said Johnson and his officials broke lockdown laws over parties

The former Prime Minister’s excoriating intervention comes a day after the Metropolitan Police announced it was writing to more than 50 people, possibly including Mr Johnson, to ask for their explanation as to why they attended 12 gatherings at Downing Street and in Whitehall while Covid-19 restrictions were in place.

In a speech at the Institute for Government think-tank on Thursday, Sir John said ministers had been “evasive” during the affair and warned the Government’s “shifty” behaviour risked damaging public trust.

He said: “At No10, the Prime Minister and officials broke lockdown laws.

“Brazen excuses were dreamed up. Day after day the public was asked to believe the unbelievable. Ministers were sent out to defend the indefensible – making themselves look gullible or foolish.

“Collectively, this has made the Government look distinctly shifty, which has consequences that go far beyond political unpopularity.

“No Government can function properly if its every word is treated with suspicion.”(BBC & Evening Standard)