JAKE BERRY has said that while the 'mood isn't great' within Conservative ranks at present, Boris Johnson 'should remain as prime minister' despite pressures mounting over the most recent Partygate scandal.

Speaking to the BBC, Rossendale and Darwen's Tory MP said he felt "angry", like many of his constituents following the revelations regarding a garden party held at Downing Street on May 20 2020, but said Johnson "knows he got it wrong" and had made a "heartfelt apology".

However, Mr Berry said "the leadership he has shown throughout the pandemic" meant he was still the right person to lead the country.

He added: "There is a lot of concern amongst my colleagues about the damage that these revelations are doing to the Conservative Party. But I think yesterday, there was a bit of a turning point of opinion."

Reports have suggested that tables were set out in the garden for food and wine, while an email invitation sent to around 100 people by the prime minister's private secretary suggested taking advantage of the lovely weather. "Bring your own booze", it said.

At the time, social contact was strictly limited and many people were furious that they had been prevented from visiting loved ones on their deathbeds or attending funerals.